Hypoglycemia Flashcards
1
Q
Definition
A
low blood glucose (BG):
- Mild: 2.8-3.9 mmol/L
- Severe: <2.8 mmol/L
2
Q
Signs & symptoms
A
- Trembling
- Tachycardia / Palpitations
- Diaphoresis
- Anxiety / Nervousness
- Hunger
- Nausea
- Tingling
- Changes with coordination
- Difficulty concentrating
- Confusion
- Weakness / Lethargy
- Drowsiness
- Vision changes
- Difficulty speaking
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Malaise (restlessness)
3
Q
What to do (mild/moderate hypoglycemia): 2.8-3.9 mmol/L
A
- check BG with the glucometer
- treat by providing 15 g of glucose tabs (x3-4) or gel (x1): gels are preferably used for unconscious patients, dysphagia, or if there’s any other risk of aspiration
- check BG again after 15 mins. repeat steps 1 & 2 until BG is >4.0 mmol/L
- provide meal/snack (complex carbs such as crackers, cheese, juice, etc)
- inform MRP as per facility policy
- document incident
STAY WITH THE PATIENT. Make sure that the patient is stable enough before leaving the patient to grab something
4
Q
What to do (severe conscious hypoglycemia): <2.8 mmol/L BG
A
- treat by providing 20 g of glucose tabs (x4) or gel (x1): gels are preferably used for unconscious patients, dysphagia, or if there’s any other risk of aspiration
- check BG again after 15 mins. repeat steps 1 & 2 until BG is >4.0 mmol/L
- provide meal/snack (complex carbs such as crackers, cheese, juice, etc)
- inform MRP as per facility policy
- document incident
STAY WITH THE PATIENT. Make sure that the patient is stable enough before leaving the patient to grab something
5
Q
What to do (severe UNCONSCIOUS hypoglycemia): <2.8 mmol/L
A
- IV Glucose: 25g provided as 50mL D50W given over 1-3 min OR 1mg Glucagon SC/IM (max is 2 glucagon inj)
- notify MRP verbally ASAP
- monitor & repeat IV Glucose in 10 min if BG is <4mmol
- document incident
