NCLEX® Question of the Day: Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Today's NCLEX-RN® question of the day focuses on a client recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Which tests will give the nurse the best information about the client’s adherence to their diet, exercise, and medication regimen. Can you figure it out?

A client recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes returns to the clinic for a follow-up visit. Which of the following laboratory tests will give the nurse the best information about the client’s adherence to their diet, exercise, and medication regimen?

A. Fasting blood glucose

B. Urine glucose

C. Glucose tolerance

D. Hemoglobin A1c

Scroll down for the correct answer!

The correct answer to today's NCLEX-RN® Question is...

D. Hemoglobin A1c

Rationale: The hemoglobin A1c test provides information about a person’s average levels of blood glucose over the past 3 months. The test is based on the attachment of glucose to hemoglobin in red blood cells (RBCs). Because RBCs live for about 120 days, the hemoglobin A1C test reflects the average of a person’s blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months. The hemoglobin A1C test result is reported as a percentage, and a value of 4% - 5.6%  is generally considered normal. A higher percentage higher overall blood glucose levels.

Major Takeaway

The hemoglobin A1c test provides information about a person’s average levels of blood glucose over the past 2-3 months so it provides the best information about client’s success in disease management.

Incorrect answer explanations

A. Fasting blood glucose

Rationale: A fasting blood glucose will detect glucose imbalance and aids in the diagnosis of diabetes, but it will not provide the best information about adherence to their disease management regimen.

B. Urine glucose

Rationale: Glucose in the urine (glucosuria) will provide information about renal handling of glucose, but it will not provide the best information about adherence to their disease management regimen.

C. Glucose tolerance

Rationale: The two-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) aids in the diagnosis of diabetes but will not provide the best information about adherence to their disease management regimen.

References

McCance, K. & Huether, S. E. (2014). Pathophysiology: The biologic basis for disease in adults and children (7th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.

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