The nurse is providing teaching to a prenatal client about the 1-hour glucose challenge test that will be performed at the next visit. Which client statement indicates a need for further teaching?

Question

The nurse is providing teaching to a prenatal client about the 1-hour glucose challenge test that will be performed at the next visit.  Which client statement indicates a need for further teaching?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is diagnosed in clients who have impaired blood glucose (BG) regulation due to physiologic pregnancy changes (eg, rising BG levels, insulin resistance). GDM screening occurs at 24-28 weeks gestation. If GDM is diagnosed, management includes nutritional counseling and, if needed, pharmacologic therapy. Two-step GDM testing begins with a screening test: the 1-hour glucose challenge test (GCT). The 1-hour GCT can be performed any time of day and does not require fasting (Option A). If the client's serum BG is <140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L), GDM is unlikely, and the client requires no further testing. If serum BG is ≥140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L), the client requires a 2- or 3-hour glucose tolerance test (GTT) to diagnose GDM. (Options B and C) For the 1-hour GCT, the nurse draws one blood sample an hour after ingestion of a 50-g glucose solution (eg, glucola). In contrast, a 2- or 3-hour GTT requires the nurse to obtain fasting and hourly blood samples. (Option D) The 1-hour GCT is a screening test only. Educational objective: The 1-hour glucose challenge test (GCT) screens pregnant clients for gestational diabetes mellitus. Screening occurs at 24-28 weeks gestation. The client ingests a 50-g glucose solution, and the nurse draws one blood sample an hour later. The 1-hour GCT can be performed any time of day and does not require fasting.

The Nurse Is Providing Teaching to a Prenatal Client About