Question

A nurse is providing teaching to a ct who has diabetes mellitus and HbA1c of 8.7%. Which of the following statements by the ct indicates an understanding of the laboratory value?

a) "My blood sugar was too low when they took the test."

b) "The HbA1c level reflects my average blood sugar over the past few months."

c) "I should avoid checking my blood sugar regularly to get accurate HbA1c results."

d) "HbA1c measures the blood sugar level at a specific moment in time."

Answer 1

The HbA1c level reflects the average blood sugar over the past few months.

Step-by-step explanation:

HbA1c, or Hemoglobin A1c, is a blood test that measures the average blood glucose (sugar) level over the past two to three months. This test is commonly used to assess long-term blood sugar control in individuals with diabetes. Hemoglobin A1c is a form of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. The test reflects the average blood sugar levels because glucose in the bloodstream attaches to hemoglobin.

The HbA1c level reflects the average blood sugar over the past few months.