A nurse is reinforcing teaching about HbA1c with a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Which of the following information should the nurse include?
An HbA1c value greater than 8% indicates diabetic control of blood sugar.
The HbA1c value is altered by eating habits the day before the test.
The HbA1c value determines long-term blood glucose control for the past 120 days.
An HbA1c test is performed once per year.
The Correct Answer is C
The HbA1c value determines long-term blood glucose control for the past 120 days. This is because the HbA1c test measures what percentage of hemoglobin proteins in your blood are coated with sugar (glycated). Hemoglobin proteins in red blood cells live for around 120 days, so the test reflects your average blood sugar level for the past two to three months.
Choice A is wrong because an HbA1c value greater than 8% indicates poor diabetic control of blood sugar. The HbA1c target for most people with type 1 diabetes is 48 mmol/mol (or 6.5%) or lower.
Choice B is wrong because the HbA1c value is not altered by eating habits the day before the test. The test does not require fasting and can be done at any time of the day.
Choice D is wrong because an HbA1c test should be performed more than once per year.
The frequency of the test depends on the type of diabetes, your treatment plan and your blood sugar level. For example, you may need the test twice a year if you have good blood sugar control, or four times a year if you take insulin or have trouble keeping your blood sugar level within your target range.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This action indicates that the charge nurse should intervene because adding food coloring to the tube feeding is not recommended and can cause adverse effects such as aspiration, diarrhea, and allergic reactions.
Choice A is wrong because checking the volume of the aspirate is a correct action to assess gastric residual volume and prevent complications such as nausea, vomiting, and aspiration.
Choice B is wrong because checking the pH of the aspirate is a correct action to verify the placement of the NG tube and prevent accidental administration of enteral feeding into the lungs.
Choice C is wrong because administering 15 mL of water before administering the feeding is a correct action to flush the NG tube and prevent clogging.
Normal ranges for gastric residual volume are less than 250 mL for adults and less than 5 mL/kg for children. Normal ranges for pH of gastric aspirate are less than 5.5 for adults and less than 4 for children.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This statement indicates that the client has orthopnea, which is a sign of worsening heart failure and fluid overload. The nurse should intervene by assessing the client’s vital signs, oxygen saturation, lung sounds, and edema, and notifying the provider for possible diuretic adjustment.
Choice A is wrong because “I’m urinating in larger amounts.” is an expected outcome of taking furosemide, which is a loop diuretic that increases urine output and reduces fluid retention.
Choice C is wrong because “I suck on hard candy for my dry mouth.” is a harmless way to cope with the side effect of dry mouth caused by furosemide.
Choice D is wrong because “I’ve lost 3 pounds in the last week.” is a positive sign that the client is losing excess fluid and improving their heart failure
condition. A weight loss of 2 to 4 pounds per week is acceptable for clients taking diuretics.
Normal ranges for heart failure clients are:
- Blood pressure: less than 140/90 mmHg
- Heart rate: 60 to 100 beats per minute
- Respiratory rate: 12 to 20 breaths per minute
- Oxygen saturation: greater than 95%
- Weight: stable or decreasing within 2 to 4 pounds per week
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