The nurse is giving discharge instructions regarding glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) to a patient with diabetes mellitus. The nurse knows that the patient understands the instructions if he states
Explanation
• HbA1c monitors long-term control of blood glucose levels. The diabetic goal is a HbA1c <7%.
• HbA1c measures amount of glucose molecules that have reacted with a red blood cell over the lifespan of the cell (120 days).
• HbA1c levels are done 2–4 times annually.
• Routine blood glucose checks use capillary blood and are done at least every morning.