CEA Nursing Practice Exam

At which Hgb A1C level should a second oral anti-diabetic agent be considered if control is not successful prior?

1. Hgb A1c of 6.5

2. Hgb A1c of 7.0

3. Hgb A1c of 7.5

4. Hgb A1c of 8.0

The correct answer is: Hgb A1c of 8.0

In managing diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, the Hgb A1C level is a crucial indicator of glycemic control over the past two to three months. A target A1C level is generally considered to be below 7.0%, but individual goals may vary based on a patient’s overall health, age, and duration of diabetes. When control with a single oral anti-diabetic agent is not successful, a clinician often considers adding another medication at higher A1C levels. The threshold for introducing a second agent typically occurs around an A1C of 7.0% to 7.5%, depending on clinical guidelines. However, when the A1C level reaches 8.0%, it indicates that the patient is significantly above the target range and suggests that a more aggressive approach to management might be necessary to prevent complications associated with prolonged hyperglycemia. Choosing to add a second oral anti-diabetic agent at this level reflects the urgency to address inadequate glycemic control effectively. It is important to intervene before A1C levels rise even higher, which could put the patient at risk for acute and chronic diabetes-related complications. Therefore, when the A1C reaches 8.0% or higher, it is appropriate to consider