67. When evaluating the laboratory results of a client who is diabetic, which test should a nurse review for the best indication of compliance with the diabetic regimen?
67. When evaluating the laboratory results of a client who is diabetic, which test should a nurse review for the best indication of compliance with the diabetic regimen?
. Urine dipstick for sugar and acetone.
. Finger stick blood glucose.
. Random blood glucose.
. Hemoglobin A1c.
Test-Taking Tip
Eliminate the options that can be used at the bedside and are random measures of blood sugar. Hemoglobin A1c is done in a laboratory.
Content Area: Adult Health, Endocrine; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Analysis; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Reduction of Risk Potential/Laboratory Values
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Answer 1 is incorrect because sugar and acetone are indicators of what the blood glucose is at one point in time only. Answer 2 is incorrect because blood glucose from a finger stick is only an indicator of what the blood glucose is at one point in time. Answer 3 is incorrect because random blood glucose is only an indicator of what the blood glucose is at one point in time. Answer 4 is correct because this test gives an average of the client's blood glucose for the past 90 days rather than just 1 day or one point in time.