Question

The nurse caring for a 54-year-old patient hospitalized with diabetes mellitus would look for which of the following laboratory test results to obtain information on the patient's past glucose control?

1) Prealbumin level
2) Urine ketone level
3) Fasting glucose level
4) Glycosylated hemoglobin level

Answer 1

To assess a patient's past glucose control, the glycosylated hemoglobin level (HbA1c) should be checked, as it indicates average blood glucose over several months.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse caring for a 54-year-old patient hospitalized with diabetes mellitus would look for glycosylated hemoglobin level, also known as hemoglobin A1c, to obtain information on the patient's past glucose control. This laboratory test reflects the average blood glucose level over the past 3 to 4 months, as the glucose stays attached to hemoglobin for the life of the red blood cell (normally about 120 days). A normal level for hemoglobin A1c is less than 7%, and diabetics aim to keep it close to this level to reduce the risk of complications related to diabetes, such as damage to the eyes, kidneys, and nerves.