The nurse in a clinic reviewing laboratory results for a patient suspected of having undiagnosed diabetes mellitus. Which of the following results would be diagnostic for diabetes
Fasting plasma glucose of 98mg/dl
Hemoglobin A1C (glycosylated hemoglobin) of 7.2%
Random plasma glucose of 110 mg/dl
Two hour plasma glucose of 140mg/dl
The Correct Answer is B
A) Fasting plasma glucose of 98 mg/dl:
A fasting plasma glucose level of 98 mg/dl is within the normal range (70–99 mg/dl). According to diagnostic criteria, a fasting plasma glucose level of 100–125 mg/dl is considered prediabetes, and 126 mg/dl or higher on two separate occasions is diagnostic for diabetes. Therefore, a fasting plasma glucose of 98 mg/dl is not diagnostic for diabetes.
B) Hemoglobin A1C (glycosylated hemoglobin) of 7.2%:
An HbA1C level of 7.2% is diagnostic for diabetes. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) defines diabetes as an HbA1C of 6.5% or higher. The HbA1C test reflects the average blood glucose level over the past 2–3 months, and a level of 7.2% indicates that the patient's blood glucose levels have been elevated over time, consistent with diabetes. This is a key diagnostic criterion.
C) Random plasma glucose of 110 mg/dl:
Although a random glucose value greater than 200 mg/dl with symptoms of hyperglycemia can be diagnostic of diabetes, 110 mg/dl is within the normal range and does not meet the criteria for a diabetes diagnosis. For diagnostic purposes, a random plasma glucose must be 200 mg/dl or higher.
D) Two hour plasma glucose of 140 mg/dl:
For the test to be diagnostic of diabetes, the plasma glucose must be 200 mg/dl or higher after two hours. A level of 140 mg/dl suggests normal glucose tolerance or prediabetes, but it is not diagnostic for diabetes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A patient with hypertension:
Valproic acid is not contraindicated in patients with hypertension. While it is important to monitor for potential side effects, including those that may affect the liver or blood pressure, hypertension alone does not directly impact the safety or efficacy of valproic acid. Therefore, it is generally considered safe to prescribe in patients with well-controlled hypertension.
B. A patient with diabetes:
Valproic acid is also not contraindicated in patients with diabetes. While it is important to monitor blood glucose levels, as anticonvulsants can sometimes affect metabolic processes, there is no absolute contraindication for valproic acid in diabetic patients. However, appropriate monitoring of blood sugar levels would be necessary to adjust any diabetic treatment as needed.
C. A patient with asthma:
There is no direct contraindication to using valproic acid in a patient with asthma. While asthma medications and their interactions should always be considered, valproic acid does not typically exacerbate asthma symptoms. The prescription would be based on the clinical need for seizure management and monitored for any potential respiratory side effects.
D. A pregnant patient:
Valproic acid is contraindicated in pregnancy due to its high risk of causing fetal harm. It has been associated with an increased risk of birth defects, including neural tube defects, and other complications such as developmental delays. The U.S. FDA classifies valproic acid as a Category D drug for pregnancy, indicating that it should only be used when the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Thus, it should be avoided in pregnant patients unless no safer alternatives are available.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) pH 7.25, CO2 40, HCO3- 16:
In metabolic acidosis, the pH is decreased indicating acidemia. The bicarbonate level is low which is a hallmark of metabolic acidosis. The CO2 level of 40 is within the normal range suggesting that the body is not compensating for the acidosis through respiratory compensation yet. In metabolic acidosis, the body will often try to compensate by increasing respiratory rate to blow off CO2, but this takes time.
B) pH 7.5, CO2 35, HCO3- 30:
In metabolic alkalosis, the pH is increased above 7.45, and the bicarbonate level (HCO3-) is elevated both of which are seen here. The CO2 level of 35 is within normal limits, and while respiratory compensation could increase CO2 in response to metabolic alkalosis,
C) pH 7.5, CO2 30, HCO3- 22:
The pH is increased above 7.45, and the bicarbonate level is within the normal range. The CO2 level of 30 is low, which is typical in respiratory alkalosis, where the body compensates for the increased pH by blowing off CO2.
D) pH 7.25, CO2 55, HCO3- 25:
The pH is low, but the bicarbonate level is normal. The CO2 level is elevated, which is indicative of hypoventilation or inadequate respiratory compensation, commonly seen in respiratory acidosis, where the lungs cannot excrete CO2 effectively
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