Posted on September 18th, 2008 by gabriel
As you begin your care, focus on stabilizing your patient’s condition, ensuring adequate ventilation, and treating shock, as appropriate. In most cases, your nursing activities and plan of care will revolve around fluid and electrolyte replacement, administering insulin, and preventing such complications as fluid overload.During fluid replacement, assess your patient’s vital signs, intake and output, […]
No Comments »
Filed under: Acute Complication
Posted on October 14th, 2007 by gabriel
The dawn phenomenon is characterized by a rise in the blood glucose level between 4 A.M. and 8 A.M. It is thought to result from the release of GH into the bloodstream in the early morning. This release makes body tissues resistant to insulin, causing the blood glucose level to rise.
Signs and Symptoms
The dawn phenomenon […]
No Comments »
Filed under: Acute Complication
Posted on September 24th, 2007 by gabriel
The body responds to hypoglycemia by producing and releasing counterregulatory hormones, such as glucagon and epinephrine. Usually, this process begins when the glucose level falls below 60 mg/dl.Glucagon, a hormone secreted by the alpha cells of the islets of Langerhans, plays an important role in restoring the blood glucose level to normal. It stimulates the […]
No Comments »
Filed under: Acute Complication
Posted on September 4th, 2007 by gabriel
Chronic hyperglycemia results from untreated or poorly controlled diabetes. But acute hyperglycemia results from factors that interfere with glucose controlan acute infection, for instance. If hyperglycemia becomes severe enough, the patient may develop a serious condition, such as OKA and HHNK syndrome.In Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, hyperglycemia results when an abundance of blood […]
No Comments »
Filed under: Acute Complication
Posted on August 30th, 2007 by gabriel
An acute complication, DKA requires rapid intervention to prevent cellular starvation and profound dehydration. Although DKA usually occurs in patients with Type 1 diabetes, it can strike a patient with Type 2 diabetes.The three major causes of DKA are undiagnosed diabetes, insufficient insulin therapy, and physical or emotional stress.
How Diabetic ketoacidosis Develops
Without sufficient insulin, the […]
No Comments »
Filed under: Acute Complication
Posted on August 17th, 2007 by gabriel
The treatment of hypoglycemia depends on your patient’s mental status, her ability to swallow, and the severity of her signs and symptoms. If possible, check your patient’s blood glucose level to verify that she has hypoglycemia before starting treatment. A sudden drop in the glucose level can trigger the adrenergic response and produce such signs […]
No Comments »
Filed under: Acute Complication
Posted on August 14th, 2007 by gabriel
The treatment goals for DKA are to replace fluid and electrolytes, provide enough insulin to maintain normal glucose metabolism, and prevent complications.
Replacing Fluids and Electrolytes
Your patient with DKA needs fluid therapy to increase her circulating blood volume and to enhance glucose excretion through the kidneys. The fluid of choice is usually I.V. 0.9% normal saline […]
No Comments »
Filed under: Acute Complication
Posted on August 10th, 2007 by gabriel
During acute DKA, the patient probably can’t grasp educational information very well, so don’t overwhelm her or her family with information right away. Keep your explanations simple and brief; you may have to repeat them several times. Explain care little by little, as you provide it. Tell her why it’s important to replace fluids and […]
No Comments »
Filed under: Acute Complication