Practice Question
The nurse is caring for a pregnant client diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Which finding is consistent with this diagnosis?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Diagnosis was made during the third trimester
Rationale:
🟦 Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is typically diagnosed between 24–28 weeks, meaning late second or early third trimester.
🟦 This is because placental hormones such as human placental lactogen peak around this period, causing significant insulin resistance.
🟦 A new diagnosis in the third trimester confirms that glucose intolerance developed during pregnancy, not before.
🟦 This timing distinguishes GDM from preexisting diabetes.
🟦 Screening protocols are designed to detect GDM exactly during this timeframe.
🟦 Therefore, the timing makes this finding consistent with the diagnosis.
🟦 Incorrect Answer —Continuous glucose monitoring before pregnancy
🟦 Use of a glucose monitor before pregnancy implies Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, not gestational diabetes.
🟦 Clients with GDM do not monitor glucose until after screening shows abnormal results.
🟦 Pre-pregnancy monitoring suggests a preexisting diagnosis, which is categorized as pregestational diabetes.
🟦 This finding contradicts the definition of GDM.
🟦 Therefore, this is inconsistent with gestational diabetes.
🟦 Incorrect Answer — History of type 1 diabetes since adolescence
🟦 Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that develops long before pregnancy.
🟦 A person with known Type 1 diabetes cannot be diagnosed with GDM, because they already have a chronic form of diabetes.
🟦 GDM only applies to glucose intolerance that begins during pregnancy.
🟦 This scenario automatically disqualifies the diagnosis of gestational diabetes.
🟦 Therefore, this answer is incorrect.
🟦 Incorrect Answer — Elevated A1C at 8 weeks
🟦 High A1C early in pregnancy indicates preexisting diabetes, not gestational.
🟦 GDM does not develop this early because insulin resistance from placental hormones has not yet occurred.
🟦 This finding suggests undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes before conception.
🟦 True GDM manifests after the first trimester.
🟦 Thus, this option is inconsistent with the diagnosis.
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This question is from NR324.NR329 Exam 1 Assessment which contains 53 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: Examplify Exam(s)
- Domain: Medical-Surgical
- Answer Choices: 4