Question

The client is seen in the clinic with complaint of fatigue, dry skin, and extreme thirst. Which test would best indicate the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus? A. Two-hour postprandial B. Dextrostix C. Glycosylated hemoglobin D. Glucose tolerance test

Short answer

Answer: The Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test (C) is the most suitable for diagnosing diabetes mellitus because it measures the average blood sugar levels over an extended period (2-3 months), providing a better insight into how well the body has been managing blood sugar levels overall.

Step-by-step solution

Briefly describe each test

A. Two-hour postprandial: measures blood sugar levels two hours after ingesting a meal. B. Dextrostix: a simple and rapid test that measures blood sugar levels using a glucose meter and test strip. C. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c): measures the average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months by assessing the percentage of sugar attached to hemoglobin. D. Glucose tolerance test: measures how efficiently the body processes sugar by measuring blood sugar levels before and after ingesting a high sugar drink.

Evaluate the usefulness of each test for diagnosing diabetes mellitus

A. A two-hour postprandial test provides information about blood sugar levels after a meal but does not give a clear indication of how well the body is managing blood sugar overall. B. Dextrostix is a rapid and straightforward test, yet it only measures blood sugar levels at the time of testing and is less informative for diagnosing diabetes mellitus. C. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a useful test for diabetes mellitus as it provides an average blood sugar level over a much longer period, indicating how well the body has been managing blood sugar levels over time. D. Glucose tolerance test is also useful for detecting diabetes mellitus as it evaluates the body's ability to process sugar by measuring changes in blood sugar levels.

Choose the best test for diagnosing diabetes mellitus

Considering the information obtained from each test, it becomes clear that the Glycosylated hemoglobin (C) test is the most suitable for diagnosing diabetes mellitus. This test measures the average blood sugar levels over an extended period (2-3 months), providing a better insight into how well the body has been managing blood sugar levels overall.