Question

An adolescent patient recently attended a health fair and had a serum glucose test. The patient telephones the nurse and says, "My level was 140 mg/dL. Does that mean I have diabetes?" What is the nurse's most accurate response?

Answer 1

A serum glucose level of 140 mg/dL does not necessarily mean that the patient has diabetes. A diagnosis of diabetes is usually made when fasting blood glucose levels are consistently higher than normal. The nurse can suggest the patient speak with their healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's most accurate response would be to explain that a serum glucose level of 140 mg/dL does not necessarily mean that the patient has diabetes. In healthy individuals, blood glucose levels may rise up to 140 mg/dL after eating but return to normal. A diagnosis of diabetes is usually made when fasting blood glucose levels are consistently higher than normal (above 125 mg/dL). The nurse can suggest the patient speak with their healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.