hyperglycaemia Flashcards
how is hyperglycaemia treated
Fluid resuscitation: initially with isotonic saline
Insulin therapy: initiate short-acting insulin
what do you need to make sure about potassium before you administer insulin
It is critical that potassium levels are confirmed to be > 3.3 mEq/L before administering insulin, as insulin will lower serum potassium and potentially cause severe hypokalemia.
what happens if a patient with diabetes is vomiting or has nausea
Patients with known diabetes who present with nausea and/or vomiting should be immediately assessed for DKA/HHS.
what are the signs of DKA AND HHS
Polyuria
Polydipsia
Recent weight loss
Nausea and vomiting
Signs of significant dehydration
Neurological abnormalities
Altered mental status
Lethargy
Coma
Patient
which type of diabetes is DKA assosciated with
type 1
which type of diabetes is HHS assosciated with diabetes
type 2 diabetes
what causes hyperglycaemia
Undiagnosed, untreated diabetes mellitus
Treatment failure in known diabetics:
Insulin pump failure
Forgotten insulin injection
Poor adherence to insulin therapy
what is the cause of dka
no insulin is available to suppress lipolysis, resulting in ketone formation and acidosis
what is the difference between DKA and HHS
there is still some insulin available in HHS, so there is minimal or no ketone formation
what are features unique to DKA
fruity odor to the breath, hyperventilation, and abdominal pain
what is the time frame of DKA
few hours
what is the onset of HHS
within days
