Class 6 - Nursing Interventions & Chronic Illness/ Capillary Blood Glucose Monitoring Flashcards
define blood glucose
the sugar that is transported through the bloodstream to supply energy to the cells
define hyperglycemia
to much glucose in the bloodstream:
more than 7 heading towards hyperglycemia
define HgB A1c
this test measures what percentage of hemoglobin is coated with sugar (glycated) over the past 3-4 months
define hypoglycemia
not enough glucose in the bloodstream;
less than 4 heading towards hypoglycemia
(2.5 is severe hypoglycemia)
define ketoacidosis
a complication of diabetes that occurs when the body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones. This develops when the body is unable to produce enough insulin. This lowers the bodies pH level.
define ketones
a product of the breakdown of fatty acids
what is glycogen and where is it stored
it is the unused glucose and is stored in the liver
what is the role of glucagon in the body
to prevent glucose levels from getting to low in the bloodstream
what is the role of insulin in the body
Insulin helps cells to take in glucose to be used for energy.
what is hypodermocylsis
It is the subcutaneous administration of fluids to the body. It is usually done when a person is to sick to eat or drink anything
- often in the form of saline or a glucose
solution
- can be used where a slow fluid rate is
required
- limited to 1mL per minute but more sites can
be used if more fluid is required
what are the advantages of hypodermocylsis
- it is cheaper than an IV
- can be administered by non-medical personnel with
minimal supervision
when would you use hypodermocylsis
- multiple symtoms to control
- end of life hydration
- less disruption to family and patient
- easily managed in home or LTC environment
- increased comfort for patient
- good if patient is unable to tolerate enteral
routes
what is the nurses responsibilities
- being able to advise the patient of the
advantages of the infusion - monitoring s/c site
- monitoring for effects r/t medication
- being able to provide patient, family and
other HCP teaching r/t s/c infusion
as the nurse what are you going to monitor in a s/c butterfly infusion
Insertion site:
- signs and symptoms of infection
- leaking/redness/exudates/localized pain
tenderness, hardness, burning, inflammation,
swelling/coolness/unresolved blanching or
necrosis, scarring
- occlusion of catheter with med admin
- correct labelling
- following facility policies with regard to
changing of site ex: q 7 days (14 days in
palliative care) or until compromised
- IF hypodermoclysis is infusing: all of the
above plus pooling of fluid/changes in drip
rate/fluid overload symptoms
what is the standard needle gauge for s/c butterfly catheters
24 gauge