A nurse is reviewing a client's laboratory results and sees that their hemoglobin A1C is 9%. Which of the following statements from the nurse is appropriate?
"Your blood sugar is very unstable."
"Your blood sugar is too high after meals."
"Your average blood sugar is high."
"You have many dangerously low blood sugar levels."
The Correct Answer is C
A. "Your blood sugar is very unstable." While high HbA1C levels can indicate poor glucose control, they do not specifically indicate instability in blood sugar levels (i.e., frequent fluctuations between high and low levels). HbA1C does not capture short-term variations in blood glucose; it only provides an average over a few months.
B. "Your blood sugar is too high after meals." Although postprandial (after-meal) glucose levels contribute to overall blood glucose levels, HbA1C measures the average blood glucose level over several months and is not specific to postprandial glucose levels. A high HbA1C suggests elevated glucose levels overall, not just after meals.
C. "Your average blood sugar is high." HbA1C measures the average blood sugar level over an extended period, typically 2-3 months. A result of 9% indicates that the client's average blood glucose levels have been consistently high, suggesting poor long-term glucose control. This is a precise and appropriate statement reflecting the meaning of the HbA1C result.
D. "You have many dangerously low blood sugar levels." A high HbA1C indicates elevated blood glucose levels over time, not low levels. Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) would not contribute to a high HbA1C. In fact, frequent hypoglycemia would more likely result in a lower HbA1C, not a higher one.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia is not directly related to low potassium levels. While electrolyte imbalances can impact overall metabolic processes, hypoglycemia is more commonly associated with insulin use or other medications, rather than hypokalemia.
B. Cardiac dysrhythmias: Hypokalemia (potassium level of 3.3 mEq/L) is associated with an increased risk of cardiac dysrhythmias because potassium is crucial for normal electrical activity in the heart. Low potassium can lead to abnormal heart rhythms, which can be dangerous and life-threatening.
C. Neurogenic shock: Neurogenic shock is typically related to a sudden loss of sympathetic nervous system signals, often from spinal cord injury, and is not directly associated with low potassium levels.
D. Seizures: Seizures are not a common complication of hypokalemia. They are more often related to severe electrolyte imbalances like low sodium, or neurological conditions, rather than low potassium.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Hyperpigmentation: This can occur due to increased production of melanin-stimulating hormones in some cases of Cushing's syndrome.
B. Weight loss: Weight loss is not a common feature of Cushing's syndrome. Instead, it usually presents with weight gain, particularly in the trunk and face (leading to "moon face" and "buffalo hump").
C. Hypotension: Hypotension is more common in Addison's disease due to the lack of cortisol and aldosterone. Cushing's syndrome is associated with hypertension due to excess cortisol increasing blood pressure.
D. Diaphoresis: Excessive sweating is not a common symptom of Cushing's syndrome.
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