The nurse cares for a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hemoglobin A1C results of 8% at an outpatient health clinic. Which statement by the nurse will best address these results?

Question

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Hemoglobin A1C is a diagnostic test used to measure the percentage of glycosylated hemoglobin in the blood. A normal hemoglobin A1C is 4%-6% in clients without diabetes; the goal is to keep the level <7% in clients with diabetes. The A1C test measures blood glucose control over a period of 2-3 months; higher measurements indicate higher glycemic levels. High levels may indicate poor adherence to the recommended diet and exercise plan or ineffective antihyperglycemic medication regimen. It is important for the nurse to review the diet, exercise, and medication plan with the client who has a high hemoglobin A1C. (Option A) Although it is important to review signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia with all clients with diabetes, this statement does not address the elevated hemoglobin A1C. (Option C) A diet recall of the last 24-48 hours will not give the nurse adequate information on possible causes of an elevated hemoglobin A1C as this test measures glycemic control over 2-3 months. (Option D) A hemoglobin A1C may be tested when the client is not fasting. Educational objective: Hemoglobin A1C is a diagnostic test used to measure the percentage of glycosylated hemoglobin in the blood over a period of 2-3 months. A normal hemoglobin A1C is 4%-6% in clients without diabetes; the goal is to keep the level <7% in clients with diabetes.

The Nurse Cares for a Client with Type 2 Diabetes