hypoglycemia Flashcards
define hypoglycemia?
the failure of glucose homeostasis, which is the role of the pancreas and liver. blood glucose 70mg/dL or less
what does hypoglycemia trigger? what does it release?
triggers the symopathetic nervous system to take action, causing it to release epinephrine and norepinephrine hormones from the adrenal glands to raise blood glucose levels
hypoglycemia in clients who do not have diabetes can be caused by?
- trauma
- surgery
- drug use
- alcohol use
- pancreatitis
- anorexia
- malnutrition
- liver/kidney malignancies
hypoglycemia risk factors
- diabetes
- changes in schedule
- travel to different time zones
- increase exercise
- fasting
- unpredictable access to food
- medications
what medication can cause hypoglycemia?
- beta blockers
- insulin
- sulfonylureas
- antiarrhythmias
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers
- insulin response enhancers
- Thiasolidinediones
- antibiotics
what levels of hypoglycemia are there? what signs are usually seen in each levels
Level 1: 54mg/dL-70mg/dL: tremors, diaphoresis, tachycardia, blurred vision, confusion, headache, fatigue, weak, hunger, dzziness
Level 2: less than 54mg/dL: confusion, eractic behavior, difficulty moving
Level 3:Not dependant on blood glucose levels: seizures, agitation and combativeness, or coma and can lead to death.
Manifestation of hypoglycemia
**mnemonic: He’S TIRED **
* headache
* sweating
* tachycardia
* irritability
* restlessness
* excessive hunger
* dizziness
Labs/Diagnostic tests
- blood glucose testing
- continous glucose monitors (CGM)- measures blood glucose levels by using skin sensor
what is the role of the nurse when providing care for a client with hypoglycemia
- monitor blood glucose levels
- administer medication
- provide education
client education
- ways to prevent hypoglycemia
- hypoglycemia manifestations
- frequency of blood glucose monitoring
- target blood glucose
- dietary and exercise
- types of food and supplies to have on hand
- how to administer injectable glucagon and when to call 911
Treatment for hypoglycemia
- The 15-15 rule
- injectable glucagon
- IV dextrose
what is the 15-15 rule?
the 15-15 rule tells you to consume 15 grams of fast carbohydrates and then wait 15 minutes to check for blood glucose
what to do if patient has a blood glucose of 54mg/dL - 70mg/dL?
- Make patient consume 15 grams of fast carbs
- wait 15 minutes to recheck blood glucose
- if not effective, repeat until reached desired blood glucose
- once blood glucose range is good eat a good meal to prevent from happening again
what are good sources for 15 fast carbs?
- 3-4 glucose tablets
- 8 oz low fat or skim milk
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup
- 4 oz of 100% fruit juice or regular soda
- 1/2-1 tube of glucouse gel (see provider/pharmacist for exact measurment)
- 1tbsp honey, sugar, jam or jelly
For acute hypoglycemia patient what would you treat with?
for them you would avoid foods with fat and protein because they delay the bodies ability to absorb sugar
what to do if blood glucose is less than 54mg/dL?
- consume 30grams of fast carbs
- recheck blood glucose levels after 15 minutes
- repeat if not effective untill desired levels
if patient is unable to ingest glucose by mouth we?
give injectable glucagon (IM or SQ)
when would you consider giving IV dextrose
if client loses consciousness, has seizures, or if glucagon cannot be administered.
