Assessment and Diagnosis of Chronic Illnesses
Assessment and Diagnosis of Chronic Illnesses ( 4 Questions)
A client with diabetes mellitus is scheduled for a hemoglobin A1c test. The client asks the nurse what this test measures. How should the nurse respond?
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a test that reflects the percentage of hemoglobin that is glycosylated, or attached to glucose molecules, in the red blood cells. It provides an estimate of the average blood glucose level over the past 3 months, as red blood cells have a lifespan of about 120 days. The higher the HbA1c level, the poorer the glycemic control.
This is not correct, as HbA1c does not reflect the current blood glucose level, but rather the average over a period of time. A fasting blood glucose test or a random blood glucose test would measure the blood glucose level at the time of the test.
This is not correct, as HbA1c does not measure insulin production or secretion. A C-peptide test or an oral glucose tolerance test would measure insulin function.
This is not correct, as HbA1c does not directly measure the risk of diabetic complications, but rather indicates the degree of glycemic control, which affects the risk of complications. Other factors, such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and kidney function, also influence the risk of diabetic complications.
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a test that reflects the percentage of hemoglobin that is glycosylated, or attached to glucose molecules, in the red blood cells. It provides an estimate of the average blood glucose level over the past 3 months, as red blood cells have a lifespan of about 120 days. The higher the HbA1c level, the poorer the glycemic control.
Incorrect options:
B) "It measures your blood glucose level at the time of the test." - This is not correct, as HbA1c does not reflect the current blood glucose level, but rather the average over a period of time. A fasting blood glucose test or a random blood glucose test would measure the blood glucose level at the time of the test.
C) "It measures your ability to produce insulin in response to glucose." - This is not correct, as HbA1c does not measure insulin production or secretion. A C-peptide test or an oral glucose tolerance test would measure insulin function.
D) "It measures your risk of developing diabetic complications." - This is not correct, as HbA1c does not directly measure the risk of diabetic complications, but rather indicates the degree of glycemic control, which affects the risk of complications. Other factors, such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and kidney function, also influence the risk of diabetic complications.