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

"HbA1c level is done to monitor long term control of my blood sugar level."

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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