Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (Free-Trial)

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 .

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The correct answer is choice A. “I should check my blood glucose levels four times a day.” This statement indicates that the woman understands the importance of monitoring her blood glucose levels after delivery to detect any changes or abnormalities.Most women with gestational diabetes will not have severe hyperglycemia after delivery, but they should be followed for at least 6–12 weeks to determine their glucose status.

Normal blood glucose levels are between 70 and 130 mg/dL before meals and less than 180 mg/dL two hours after meals.

Choice B is wrong because “I should drink juice or soda if I feel thirsty.” This statement indicates that the woman does not understand how to manage symptoms of hyperglycemia after delivery.

Drinking juice or soda can raise blood glucose levels and worsen hyperglycemia.

The woman should drink water or sugar-free beverages if she feels thirsty.

Choice C is wrong because “I should report any vaginal discharge or itching to my doctor.” This statement indicates that the woman does not understand how to recognize symptoms of hyperglycemia after delivery.

Vaginal discharge or itching can be signs of a yeast infection, which can occur more frequently in women with diabetes, but they are not specific to hyperglycemia.

Symptoms of hyperglycemia include increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, fatigue, and headache.

Choice D is wrong because “I should stop taking my insulin or oral medication after delivery.” This statement indicates that the woman does not understand how to manage her blood glucose levels after delivery.Although most women with gestational diabetes will have normal blood glucose levels after delivery, some may have persisting hyperglycemia that requires medical management.The woman should consult with her doctor before stopping any medication and follow the guidelines of the American Diabetes Association and other relevant organizations.

A. Eat a high-carbohydrate meal the night before B. Drink water only for 8 hours before the test C. Avoid caffeine and smoking for 12 hours before the test D. Take her usual medications with a sip of water

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The correct answer is choice B. Drink water only for 8 hours before the test.This is because the test measures how your body responds to sugar (glucose) and drinking water will not affect your blood sugar levels.The test involves drinking a sugary drink and having your blood drawn before and after to check how your body handles the glucose.

Choice A is wrong because eating a high-carbohydrate meal the night before will raise your blood sugar levels and may interfere with the test results.

Choice C is wrong because caffeine and smoking can also affect your blood sugar levels and should be avoided before the test.

Choice D is wrong because some medications can affect your blood sugar levels and should be discussed with your doctor before the test.

The normal range for blood sugar levels during the glucose tolerance test is below 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) at one hour after drinking the sugary drink.If your level is higher than that, you may have gestational diabetes and need further testing.Gestational diabetes is a condition that develops during pregnancy and can cause problems for you and your baby if not well managed.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is teaching a pregnant woman who has gestational diabetes about how to recognize and manage symptoms of hyperglycemia after delivery. Which of the following statements by the woman indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is preparing a pregnant woman for a glucose tolerance test to screen for gestational diabetes. The nurse should instruct the woman to do which of the following before the test?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client with gestational diabetes asks the nurse about the recommended types of exercise during pregnancy. Which of the following responses by the nurse is correct?

A nurse is caring for a newborn whose mother has gestational diabetes. The nurse should monitor the newborn for which of the following complications?

A nurse is evaluating the blood glucose levels of a pregnant woman who has gestational diabetes after a meal. The nurse notes that the woman has a blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is providing education to a pregnant client of Middle Eastern origin. The nurse explains that which factor increases the client's risk of developing gestational diabetes?

A nurse is assessing a pregnant woman for risk factors for gestational diabetes. Which of the following factors should the nurse identify as increasing the woman's risk?

A nurse is administering insulin to a pregnant woman who has gestational diabetes and is in labor. The nurse should monitor the woman's blood glucose levels every how often during labor?

A client with a history of impaired glucose tolerance asks the nurse about the potential impact on her current pregnancy. The nurse explains that impaired glucose tolerance increases the risk of developing:.

A nurse is teaching a group of pregnant women about risk factors for gestational diabetes. Which of the following statements by one of the women indicates a need for further teaching?

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?