Question

A nurse is teaching a client about glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) testing. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

1) "I should fast for 12 hours before the test."
2) "I need to collect a urine sample for this test."
3) "This test measures my average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months."
4) "I should avoid eating any carbohydrates for 24 hours before the test."

Answer 1

The client shows understanding of HbA1c testing by acknowledging that the test measures average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months. It is a long-term indicator of blood glucose levels and does not require fasting or carbohydrate restriction before the test.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement that indicates the student's understanding of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) testing is statement 3: "This test measures my average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months." Unlike some other diabetes assessments like fasting blood glucose levels or the glucose tolerance test, the HbA1c test does not require fasting or a special diet before the test, because it provides a longer-term indicator of blood glucose levels. The HbA1c test works by measuring the percentage of glycated hemoglobin in the blood, which forms when glucose in the bloodstream attaches to hemoglobin. This percentage provides an average of a person's blood glucose levels over the previous 2 to 3 months, reflecting the lifespan of red blood cells.

The HbA1c level is important because it is a key indicator used by healthcare providers to assess how well a diabetic person's blood glucose is controlled over time. Normal levels are typically less than 7%, with levels above 9% indicating poor control. The test is a critical tool for managing diabetes, with regular measurements recommended every 3 to 6 months.