Unit 17: Glucometric Testing

Question 1

What does mmol/L stand for?

Answer 1

millimoles per litre

Question 2

What is a normal range for blood glucose levels?

Answer 2

4.0-8.0 mmol/L

Question 3

What equipment is used for blood glucose measurement?

Answer 3

A glucometer, test strips, finger stick device, lancets, a sterile wipe, tissues/gauze pad/band aids

Question 4

What is hypoglycemia?

Answer 4

When the body suddenly has too much insulin and insufficient glucose in the blood stream.

Question 5

What cause Hypoglycemia?

Answer 5

if a patient takes too much insulin, doesn’t eat enough, vomits after taking insulin, too much exercise. tumors, alcohol

Question 6

What is hyperglycemia?

Answer 6

Over the course of a few days, too much sugar builds up in the blood stream, without enough insulin to counter balance it.

Question 7

What causes hyperglycemia?

Answer 7

The patient doesn’t take enough insulin, stress, infection, the patient eats too much food that contains or produces sugar

Question 8

When in doubt?

Answer 8

Give sugar. it will help a hypoglycemic patient, and it won’t exacerbate a hyperglycemic patient

Question 9

What is a hypoglycemic blood level?

Answer 9

<4.0 mmol/L

Question 10

What is a hyperglycemic blood level?

Answer 10

> 8.0 mmol/L

Question 11

What are some limitations of blood glucose testing equipment?

Answer 11

There are many brands of glucometer, all can operate differently. some will display numerical results that are either too high or too low. Also readings from a glucometer will not inform you of pre-existing conditions such as diabetes.

Question 12

How do you record a blood glucose level?

Answer 12

On a 24hr clock, and the reading in mmol/L.

ex: 0845hrs - 6.5mmol/L