Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Appreciating Complex Midwifery Care > Neonatal Hypoglycaemia > Flashcards

Neonatal Hypoglycaemia Flashcards

1
Q

Describe glucose and its use in the body

A
  • Primary fuel for the body

- Brain cannot store adequate amounts so steady supply is required

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is Hypoglycaemia?

A

Low blood sugar; insufficient circulating glucose to meet the metabolic demands of the body
<2.6mmol/l

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is Glycogenesis?

A

Process by which unneeded glucose is converted to glycogen for storage

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is Glycogenolysis?

A

Process by which glycogen is broken down into glucose

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is Gluconeogenesis?

A

Production of glucose in the liver by means of non-glucose precursors such as lactate, pyruvate, glycerl and amino acids

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is insulin?

A

Hormone secreted by pancreatic beta cells in response to increase of plasma glucose

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

How does insulin regulate blood sugar?

A

Decreases levels by:

  • Promoting glycogen formation
  • Suppressing hepatic glucose
  • Driving peripheral uptake of glucose
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Where is glucagon produced?

A

Alpha cells in the pancreas

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

How does glucagon regulate blood sugar?

A
  • Promotes glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis

- Opposes effect of insulin by raising blood glucose

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Describe the process if blood glucose is low

A
  • Pancreatic alpha cells release glucagon
  • Glucagon causes liver to release glucose into the blood
  • Blood glucose levels increase to normal
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Describe the process if blood glucose is high

A
  • Pancreatic beta cells release insulin
  • Insulin causes fat cells to take in glucose
  • Blood glucose levels decrease to normal
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Why should blood glucose levels not be checked within the first 2 hours of birth?

A

They will be low because babies use amino acids as energy immediately after birth

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are the risk factors associated with Hypoglycaemia?

A
  • <37/40
  • <2.5kg
  • Born to diabetic mother
  • Maternal drugs
  • Sepsis
  • Perinatal stress/ asphyxia
  • Inborn errors of metabolism
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are the general symptoms?

A
  • Abnormal cry
  • Poor feeding
  • Hypothermia
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What are the cardio-respiratory symptoms?

A
  • Tachypnoea
  • Apnoea
  • Cyanosis
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What are the neurological symptoms?

A
  • Tremors/ jitters
  • Irritability
  • Lethargy
  • Hypotonic
  • Seizures
17
Q

What is the difference between convulsions and jitters?

A

If you hold the limb, convulsions will continue, jitters will stop

18
Q

In term babies, how is glycogen stored?

A
  • Majority of glycogen stored in 3rd trimester

- 5-8% of liver and muscle weight is glycogen storage

19
Q

What is different about glycogen storage in preterm infants?

A
  • Available stores are rapidly depleted

- Immature counter regulatory response to low glucose concentrations

20
Q

What is different about glycogen storage in SGA infants?

A
  • Low glycogen and fat stores
  • Inadequate metabolic control
  • Polycythaemia
  • Chronically stressed foetus may use most of the placentally transferred glucose for growth and survival
21
Q

What is different about glycogen storage in infants on Diabetic mothers?

A
  • Excessive insulin production = hypoglycaemia

- At cord clamping, glucose supply is removed but insulin production in infant remains elevated

22
Q

What products cross the placenta?

A

Glucose does, insulin doesn’t

23
Q

What are some ways that Hypoglycaemia can be prevented?

A
  • Keep babies warm
  • Identify risk groups
  • Follow local guidelines
  • Feed within 30 mins of delivery
  • Frequent feeding 2-3 hourly
  • Appropriate monitoring
24
Q

What are some ways that Hypoglycaemia is treated?

A
  • Glucose gel
  • Gastric tube
  • Formula
  • IV glucose
25
Q

What are the relevant responsibilities of the midwife?

A
  • Be competent in blood sugar testing
  • Keep parents informed
  • Accurately record obs
  • Report to appropriate senior
  • Record advice and treatment delivered
  • Record response to treatment
26
Q

What babies can glucose gel be used for?

A

Must be >35/40 and <48 hours old

27
Q

What is the dose of glucose gel?

A

40% glucose, 0.5ml/kg

28
Q

How should glucose gel be administered?

A
  • Apply to buccal membranes
  • Follow with feed
  • Recheck blood sugar in 30-60 minutes
  • 3 rounds (max. 6 doses in 48 hrs)
29
Q

Give 6 advantages of using glucose gel

A
  1. Keep mother and baby together
  2. Potentially no disruption in BF
  3. Decrease use of formula
  4. Easy to administer
  5. Low cost
  6. Reduced admission to NNU
30
Q

What can persistent Hypoglycaemia cause?

A

Long term neurodevelopment sequelae called Hypoglycaemic Brain Injuries

31
Q

When and why should an MRI scan be done?

A
  • Term infant with blood sugar <1.5mmol/l

- Checks for cerebral injury at 4-7 days PN

32
Q

What are the risks associated with Hypoglycaemic Brain Injuries?

A
  • Increased risk of ADHD

- Decreased fine motor control and perception

Appreciating Complex Midwifery Care (14 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions