nursing practice, patho Endocrine Flashcards
For type 2 DM patients, what are some long-term treatment plans/lifestyle changes that are important for them?
- Adhere to Oral-antidiabetic medication regimes as prescribed
- CVS medications (if applicable) should be taken as well since hypertension/hyperlipidemia are risk factors for Diabetes + can contribute to Peripheral vascular disease
- Lifestyle changes of exercising, less smoking
During a Diabetic foot screening, what important features would you be looking for? (how to test for neuropathy, Peripheral arterial disease?)
- Neuropathy - pertaining to Loss of sensation in feet. Use **monofilament ** and touch patient, see if he is able to detect any sensation
PAD - pertaining to Reduced blood flow in feet, due to atherosclerosis which is worsened by Diabetes (hyperglycemia)
To check for Reduced blood flow, feel for Temperature and pulse. Calculate Ankle-Brachial index.
***
For e.g., Right ABI = (Highest pressure in Right foot)/(Highest pressure out of Both Arms)
What are the main characteristics of Type 1 and Type 2 DM?
- Type 1 DM is an Autoimmune disorder which involves pancreatic Beta cells being destroyed, leading to an absolute loss of insulin. Type 1 DM patients require life-long insulin dependence.
- Type 2 DM is characterised by** Insufficient insulin action due to resistant cells** (Insulin resistance). Chronic type 2 DM patients may eventually require insulin dependence due to Beta cell failure.
What are some common symptoms of Hyperglycemia in Diabetic patients?
- Polyuria (excessive urination), Polydipsia (excessive thirst), Polyphagia (excessive appetite)
- Weakness, fatigue
What are some symptoms of Chronic/a prolonged state of Hyperglycemia?
A prolonged state of Hyperglycemia can cause Microvascular and Macrovascular complications in individuals.
- Microvascular: Retinopathy (Blurry vision), Neuropathy (loss of sensation in Foot), Nephropathy (kidney failure)
- Macrovascular: CVS Disorders (Myocardial infarction), Peripheral Vascular disease, Cerebrovascular disease (stroke)
Additionally, the immune systems of diabetic patients are weakened due to hyperglycemia making them more prone to infections
PVD leads to reduced blood flow, tissue death and eventual Amputation
Which 2 diabetic emergencies can occur due to Chronic hyperglycemia?
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis (common in type 1 DM patients who have an absolute lack of Insulin, causing Body to undergo lipolysis and go into ketosis)
- Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (common in type 2 DM patients)
A person presents to the emergency room with dry mouth, inability to sweat and extreme confusion and dehydration. What is your first course of action?
Patient is suffering from HHS. Similar to DKA treatment, we must administer:
* Insulin IV, IV fluids and electrolytes to replace Fluid loss from polyuria/polydipsia
* IV Dextrose to prevent Hypoglycemia
Type 2 DM patients are most likely to suffer from HHS, as they still possess some level of Insulin that is sufficient to prevent Lipolysis like in DKA.
No Ketones found in Urine tests
What is a healthy/normal Fasting plasma glucose for a person?
- 4.0 - 6.9 mmol/L is below the normal range for a non-DM patient
- Above or equal to 7 = DM
- Below 4 = Hypoglycemia
Above 14/ Above 30 mmol/L = DKA/HHS
What are some risk factors for developing type 2 DM?
- Obesity
- Hypertension
- Genetics
What is the role of Insulin Sulfonylureas (~amides, e.g Tolbutamides)?
Increases Insulin secretion by blocking Katp Channels and stimulating insulin release from Beta cells
AE: Hypoglycemia
Increased risk of CVS related death
What is the role of Biguanides (Metformin)?
**Increases insulin sensitivity ** in cells, improves Insulin resistance.
Adverse effects (AE)/Contraindications:
Nausea, vomiting, decreased Vit B12 absorption
Renal, Liver failure patients should not use
List some actions of Insulin on the body.
(how it affects Fats, Proteins and Glucose)
- Insulin allows cells to take in Glucose for energy (enables Glucose uptake) and encourages storage of glucose as Glycogen
- Prevents breakdown of Fats into fatty acids (Encourages deposition of fat)
- Increases** protein synthesis**
What sort of lab testing can be done to assess DKA?
- Bicarbonate levels are usually lowered in patients with DKA.
- Ketone levels in urine and blood tests are also elevated in DKA.
A patient is admitted for DKA and presents to the emergency room with Fruity smelling breath, and laboured breathing. What would be your immediate actions?
- Insulin should be immediately administered intravenously to correct hyperglycemia.
- IV fluids/electrolytes should be administered to replace fluid loss due to polyuria
- Insulin sliding scale, IV dextrose and constant Blood glucose monitoring to ensure patient does not go into hypoglycemia
any underlying infections should also be addressed: antibiotics by IV if
What is the role of Tzds (thiaelelzleodickyds)?
Reduces fatty acid in Blood, is also an Insulin sensitiser like Metformin (a Biguanide).
AE: Hypoglycemia, Patients with HF, Liver failure should not use.