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A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a pregnant woman who has gestational diabetes.

The nurse expects to find which of the following findings?

Elevated fasting blood glucose levels

Decreased postprandial blood glucose levels

Elevated serum insulin levels.

Decreased glycosylated hemoglobin levels

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

The correct answer is

A. Elevated fasting blood glucose levels.

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a condition where the blood sugar levels are higher than normal during pregnancy.

It can affect the health of the mother and the baby if not well controlled. GDM usually goes away after delivery, but it can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

A. Elevated fasting blood glucose levels.

This statement is true.

Fasting blood glucose levels are the levels of glucose in the blood after not eating or drinking anything except water for at least 8 hours.

Normal fasting blood glucose levels are between 70 and 100 mg/dL (3.9 and 5.6 mmol/L).

In GDM, the fasting blood glucose levels are higher than normal, usually above 95 mg/dL (5.3 mmol/L). This indicates that the body is not able to use insulin effectively to lower the blood sugar levels.

B. Decreased postprandial blood glucose levels.

This statement is false.

Postprandial blood glucose levels are the levels of glucose in the blood after eating a meal or a snack.

Normal postprandial blood glucose levels are below 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) within 2 hours of eating.

In GDM, the postprandial blood glucose levels are higher than normal, usually above 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) within 1 hour or above 120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L) within 2 hours of eating. This indicates that the body is not able to use insulin effectively to lower the blood sugar levels after a meal.

C. Elevated serum insulin levels.

This statement is false.

Serum insulin levels are the levels of insulin in the blood.

Insulin is a hormone that helps the cells to take up glucose from the blood for energy or storage.

Normal serum insulin levels vary depending on the time of day, the type of food eaten, and other factors.

In GDM, the serum insulin levels are not necessarily elevated, but they may be insufficient to overcome the insulin resistance caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy. Insulin resistance is a condition where the cells do not respond well to insulin and require more insulin to lower the blood sugar levels .

D. Decreased glycosylated hemoglobin levels.

This statement is false.

Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a measure of how much glucose is attached to hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.

HbA1c reflects the average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months.

Normal HbA1c levels are below 5.7%.

In GDM, the HbA1c levels are not necessarily decreased, but they may be within or slightly above the normal range, depending on how well the blood sugar levels are controlled during pregnancy. HbA1c is not a reliable test for diagnosing GDM, as it may not reflect the recent changes in blood sugar levels caused by pregnancy .

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The correct answer is choice A. Higher insulin resistance.According to a systematic review of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Africa, African-Caribbean women have higher insulin resistance than other ethnic groups, which increases their risk of developing GDM.

Insulin resistance is a condition where the body does not respond well to the hormone insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels.

Choice B is wrong because lower birth weight is not associated with GDM in African-Caribbean women.In fact, some studies have found that GDM increases the risk of macrosomia (large for gestational age infants) and higher mean birth weight.

Choice C is wrong because earlier onset of diabetes is not a characteristic of African-Caribbean women with GDM.

GDM is usually diagnosed in the second or third trimester of pregnancy, regardless of ethnicity.However, women with GDM have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Choice D is wrong because faster resolution of diabetes is not a characteristic of African-Caribbean women with GDM.Most women with GDM revert to normal glucose metabolism after delivery, but some may have persistent glucose intolerance or diabetes.The risk of developing type 2 diabetes after GDM is also higher for African-Caribbean women than other ethnic groups.

A. Anemia B. Preeclampsia C. Placenta previa D. Preterm labor

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The correct answer is choice B. Preeclampsia.Gestational diabetes increases the risk of developing preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine that can lead to serious complications for the mother and the baby.

Choice A is wrong because anemia is not a common complication of gestational diabetes.

Anemia is a condition where the red blood cells are low or abnormal, causing fatigue, weakness and pale skin.

Choice C is wrong because placenta previa is not related to gestational diabetes.

Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta covers part or all of the opening of the cervix, causing bleeding and possible premature delivery.

Choice D is wrong because preterm labor is not directly caused by gestational diabetes.

Preterm labor is when contractions start before 37 weeks of pregnancy, which can result in a premature birth.However, gestational diabetes can increase the risk of other conditions that can lead to preterm labor, such as polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid) or macrosomia (large baby).

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A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a pregnant woman who has gestational diabetes. The nurse expects to find which of the following findings?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a pregnant woman who has gestational diabetes and is of African-Caribbean origin. The nurse should recognize that the woman's ethnicity is associated with which of the following characteristics?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is conducting a prenatal class for women who have gestational diabetes. The nurse should inform the women that having gestational diabetes increases their risk of having which of the following complications during pregnancy?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a pregnant woman who has gestational diabetes.

The nurse expects to find which of the following findings?