Question

Nurse Chris is teaching Deborah and Derek about the hemoglobin A1c. Which of the following statements by Deborah indicates an understanding of the teaching?

a) "It measures blood glucose levels for the past week."
b) "It reflects the average blood glucose level over the past 2-3 months."
c) "It shows the current blood glucose level at the moment."
d) "It indicates the blood glucose level after a meal."

Answer 1

Deborah's statement that hemoglobin A1c reflects the average blood glucose level over the past 2-3 months is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

b) "It reflects the average blood glucose level over the past 2-3 months."

Deborah's statement is correct. Hemoglobin A1c is a test used to measure the average blood glucose level over a period of 2-3 months. It is helpful in monitoring the long-term control of diabetes mellitus. An A1c level above 9% indicates poor control, while a level above 12% shows very poor control.