The nurse recognizes that additional teaching is necessary when the client who is learning alternative site testing (AST) for glucose monitoring says:
A. “I need to rub my forearm vigorously until warm before testing at this site.”
B. “The fingertip is preferred for glucose monitoring if hyperglycemia is suspected.”
C. “I have to make sure that my current glucose monitor can be used at an alternate site.”
D. “Alternate site testing is unsafe if I am experiencing a rapid change in glucose levels.”
Correct Answer: B. “The fingertip is preferred for glucose monitoring if hyperglycemia is suspected.”
The fingertip is preferred for glucose monitoring if hypoglycemia, not hyperglycemia, is suspected. AST (Alternate Site Testing) means using a part of the body other than the fingertips to obtain blood for blood sugar testing.
Option A: Don’t squeeze the fingertip vigorously. Instead, hang the hand and arm down, allowing blood to pool in the fingertips. Washing the hands with warm water may also increase blood flow.
Option C: Alternate site testing is not possible with all blood glucose meters. Newer machines only require a smaller drop of blood to provide accurate blood glucose readings from other parts of the body.
Option D: According to reports, routine blood glucose level testing before meals or two or more hours after meals from alternate sites is equivalent to fingertip testing. Therefore, testing when blood glucose is falling rapidly or rising rapidly is likely to be less accurate from alternate sites.
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