Author Question: What is the most reliable measure for assessing diabetes control over the preceding 3-month period? ... (Read 38 times)

robinn137 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

What is the most reliable measure for assessing diabetes control over the preceding 3-month period?

a. Self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) graph report
b. Patient's report
c. Fasting blood glucose level
d. Glycosylated hemoglobin level

Question 2

A patient who is an alcoholic is prescribed disulfiram Antabuse to help prevent relapse and the nurse provides teaching about the use of this drug. Which statement by the patient indicates un-derstanding of the teaching?

a. I may use alcohol in cooking since heat-ing foods destroys the alcohol.
b. I should avoid shaving lotion and mouthwashes that contain even small amounts of alcohol.
c. If I decide to drink, I should stop taking the disulfiram at least one week prior to consuming alcohol.
d. If I use alcohol, the effects will be un-comfortable but are not dangerous.

Cheesycrackers · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

D
The glycosylated hemoglobin level tells much about what the plasma glucose concentration has been, on average, over the previous 2 to 3 months. The SMBG graph report is done by the patient and indicates each blood sugar level the patient has on a daily basis. It is not as reliable as the glycosylated hemoglobin level, because the equipment used might not be accurate and the testing may not reflect actual measurements 100 of the time. The patient's report of blood sugar levels is not considered as accurate as the glycosylated hemoglobin level for the same reason that the SMBG is not. One fasting blood glucose level indicates the patient's blood sugar level for that one time when it was obtained.

Answer to Question 2

B
Patients taking disulfiram should be counseled to avoid alcohol in any form and to avoid even alcohol applied to the skin. Alcohol in cooking must be avoided as well. Disulfiram effects will persist up to 2 weeks after taking the medication, so it is not safe to consume alcohol within a week of the last dose. Disulfiram, combined with alcohol, may produce fatal effects.