Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

Which laboratory result best indicates dietary compliance for a patient with type 2 diabetes?

1. Fasting blood sugar of 106 mg/dL or less

2. Hemoglobin A1C of 6.6%

3. Hemoglobin A1C of 1.5%

4. Fasting blood sugar of 150 mg/dL

The correct answer is: Hemoglobin A1C of 6.6%

The laboratory result that best indicates dietary compliance for a patient with type 2 diabetes is a Hemoglobin A1C of 6.6%. Hemoglobin A1C reflects the average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months, providing a more comprehensive picture of long-term glucose control compared to a single fasting blood sugar measurement. An A1C level of 6.6% is indicative of improved glucose management, suggesting that the patient has been effectively adhering to their dietary regimen and blood sugar control strategies. Generally, an A1C level below 7% is recommended for most adults with diabetes, as it correlates with a lower risk of complications associated with the disease. A fasting blood sugar of 106 mg/dL or less is within an acceptable range but does not alone provide a complete assessment of the patient's dietary compliance over time. The other options, such as an A1C of 1.5%, are unrepresentative of realistic glucose control and suggest something outside of normal physiological ranges, likely indicating a lab error or a misunderstanding of diabetes management. A fasting blood sugar of 150 mg/dL signifies poorly controlled blood sugar levels, which would not indicate dietary compliance. Thus, the best indicator of dietary compliance in this context