Question

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who takes insulin for the management of diabetes mellitus. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse the medication is effective?

A. Fasting blood glucose 260 mg/dL
B. HbA1c 9.2%
C. Fasting blood glucose 100mg/dL
D. HbA1c 3%

Answer 1

Option C, a fasting blood glucose of 100 mg/dL, indicates that the insulin medication is effectively managing the diabetes mellitus, as it lies within the normal fasting glucose range.

Step-by-step explanation:

The effectiveness of insulin in managing diabetes mellitus is indicated by the measurement of fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels. For normal individuals, fasting blood glucose should be between 70 mg/dL and 130 mg/dL, and the HbA1c level should be less than 7%. The best indicator of effective diabetes management in the given options is a fasting blood glucose reading of 100 mg/dL, as this falls within the normal range and reflects good blood sugar control. Option C is correct as it indicates effective management of diabetes with insulin. In contrast, an HbA1c of 9.2% would signify poor control, while an HbA1c of 3% is unusually low and could indicate hypoglycemia or an error in testing. Similarly, a fasting blood glucose level of 260 mg/dL is too high, indicating poor diabetes control.