Question

The health care provider has ordered a check of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels for a client with diabetes. Which statement by the client regarding this test indicates that education has been effective?

a) "This test shows my recent blood sugar levels."
b) "It measures my average blood sugar over the past few weeks."
c) "It determines my blood sugar levels at this moment."
d) "It's used to monitor the control of my disease."

Answer 1

The glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test measures the average blood sugar levels over approximately the past 3 months and is used for long-term monitoring of blood glucose control in individuals with diabetes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement by the client regarding the glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test that indicates effective education is: b) "It measures my average blood sugar over the past few weeks." This is accurate because HbA1c is a test used to monitor the long-term control of diabetes by reflecting the average blood glucose levels over approximately the past 3 months. Since red blood cells (which carry hemoglobin) live for about 120 days, the glycosylated hemoglobin will have been exposed to glucose in the blood throughout its lifespan, indicating the level of glucose control during that time. High levels of HbA1c indicate poorer control of diabetes and vice versa. It's important to note that while it provides a long-term view of blood sugar levels, HbA1c is not used for daily adjustments in insulin or to detect daily fluctuations in blood sugar levels.