LM1 - blood glucose

Question 1

reasons to monitor blood glucose?

Answer 1

• diabetes
• TPN (total parenteral nutrition) - contains higher amts. of glucose and can lead to hyperglycemia

Question 2

what are the different ways that glucose meters can vary?

Answer 2

1) amt. of blood needed for test
2) testing speed
3) ability to store test results in memory
4) cost of the meter and strips

Question 3

what is the procedure process?

Answer 3

• follow the directions for your meter
• use the appropriate strips
• check coding of strips, if meter requires this
• keep the meter calibrated
• select appropriate site (side of fingers-not pads, avoid calloused fingers)
• you may not need a large drop of blood

*make sure to ask your patient when they last ate/drank anything
*ask if they have a history of diabetes
* make sure to explain results with patient

Question 4

lifespan considerations:

Answer 4

infants
- heel sites/warm cloth application
children
- finger tip of children > 2 years of age
- allow the child to choose site
- offer praise after

elderly
- arthritic hands, poor vision, or hand tremors may need assistance with glucose monitoring
- financial concerns of cost of monitor
- poor circulation
- warm hands with warm wash cloth