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.

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