Blood Glucose Monitoring Flashcards

Which factor can cause a blood glucose reading to be falsely elevated on a standard glucometer?

Answer: High levels of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in some meters

High vitamin C levels can interfere with some electrochemical test strips, causing falsely elevated glucose readings on certain glucometer models.

A QMA is testing a resident's blood glucose and the result is 180 mg/dL two hours after a meal. How should this be interpreted?

Answer: This is within the generally acceptable postprandial range for diabetic residents

A postprandial (2-hour after meal) glucose of 180 mg/dL is at the upper boundary of the ADA target, indicating moderate control.

When should a QMA perform hand hygiene in relation to blood glucose testing?

Answer: Before donning gloves and after removing them

Hand hygiene must be performed before donning gloves and after removing them to maintain infection control standards.

A resident's blood glucose log shows readings consistently above 250 mg/dL over 3 days. What is the QMA's role?

Answer: Report the pattern to the nurse for clinical review

Persistent hyperglycemia is a clinical concern requiring nurse review; the QMA's role is to report patterns accurately, not to adjust treatment.

Which of the following statements about lancet reuse is correct for long-term care settings?

Answer: Lancets are single-use only and must not be reused

Lancets are single-use medical devices; reuse dulls the tip, increases infection risk, and violates standard infection control practices.

A glucometer reading of 'LO' appears on the display. What does this indicate?

Answer: Blood glucose is below the meter's minimum measurable range, indicating severe hypoglycemia

'LO' indicates blood glucose is below the meter's lower limit (often <20 mg/dL), which is a life-threatening hypoglycemic emergency.

Why is it important to rotate fingerstick sites between blood glucose tests?

Answer: Repeated puncture at the same site causes calluses, poor circulation, and inaccurate results

Repeated lancing of the same site causes callus formation and reduces capillary blood flow, which can lead to painful procedures and inaccurate readings.