Diabetes Complications: Hypoglycemia, DKA, HHS - Medical-Surgical (Endocrine) | @LevelUpRN
Level Up RN・7 minutes read
Hypoglycemia is characterized by low blood glucose levels and can lead to various symptoms; nursing care involves administering carbohydrates and monitoring glucose levels closely. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a severe complication in Type 1 diabetics with high blood glucose levels, ketones, metabolic acidosis, and hyperkalemia, while Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state is more common in Type 2 diabetics and requires IV fluids, insulin, and potassium monitoring.
Insights
- Hypoglycemia, defined as low blood glucose levels, can result from various factors like excess insulin or skipped meals, leading to symptoms such as hunger, confusion, and shakiness.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) are severe complications of diabetes, with DKA more prevalent in Type 1 diabetics and characterized by high blood glucose and ketones, while HHS is common in Type 2 diabetics, presenting with extreme hyperglycemia and dehydration, necessitating specific treatments tailored to each condition.
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Recent questions
What is hypoglycemia and its causes?
Hypoglycemia is defined as blood glucose under 70 mg/dL and can be caused by excess insulin, skipped meals, decreased food intake, exercise, or excess alcohol.
What are the signs of hypoglycemia?
Signs of hypoglycemia include hunger, irritability, confusion, diaphoresis, headache, shakiness, blurred vision, pale, cool skin, and decreased consciousness.
How should conscious hypoglycemic patients be cared for?
Nursing care for conscious hypoglycemic patients involves giving 15 grams of carbohydrates, rechecking blood glucose in 15 minutes, and providing a protein-carbohydrate snack once levels are over 70.
What is the treatment for unconscious hypoglycemic patients?
Unconscious hypoglycemic patients require glucagon administration, with a repeat dose if consciousness isn't regained within 10 minutes.
What are the characteristics of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) and Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State (HHS)?
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening complication more common in Type 1 diabetics, characterized by elevated blood glucose over 300, ketones in urine and blood, metabolic acidosis, and hyperkalemia. Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) is more common in Type 2 diabetics, with blood glucose over 600, severe dehydration, and no ketones or metabolic acidosis, requiring treatment with IV fluids, insulin, and close monitoring of potassium levels.
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Summary
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Managing Hypoglycemia and Diabetic Complications
- Hypoglycemia is defined as blood glucose under 70 mg/dL and can be caused by excess insulin, skipped meals, decreased food intake, exercise, or excess alcohol.
- Signs of hypoglycemia include hunger, irritability, confusion, diaphoresis, headache, shakiness, blurred vision, pale, cool skin, and decreased consciousness.
- Nursing care for conscious hypoglycemic patients involves giving 15 grams of carbohydrates, rechecking blood glucose in 15 minutes, and providing a protein-carbohydrate snack once levels are over 70.
- Unconscious hypoglycemic patients require glucagon administration, with a repeat dose if consciousness isn't regained within 10 minutes.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening complication more common in Type 1 diabetics, characterized by elevated blood glucose over 300, ketones in urine and blood, metabolic acidosis, and hyperkalemia.
- Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) is more common in Type 2 diabetics, with blood glucose over 600, severe dehydration, and no ketones or metabolic acidosis, requiring treatment with IV fluids, insulin, and close monitoring of potassium levels.
