Hypoglycemia: Causes and Management

Hypoglycemia

• Definition: Low blood glucose (<70 mg/dL), severe hypoglycemia (<50 mg/dL)
• Pathophysiology: Glucose levels unable to rise due to increased insulin production. Unable to return to normal state without intervention.
• Risk Factors:
  • Insulin excess
  • Deficient food intake
  • Exercise
  • Alcohol

Clinical Manifestations

• Endocrine system
• Cardiovascular system
• Respiratory system
• Neuromuscular system
• Neurological system

Therapeutic Management

• Eat or drink 15-20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates.
• Monitor blood sugar
• Have a snack or meal
• Blood glucose should be ≥70.

Lab and Diagnostics

• Blood glucose
• Patient may be cold, clammy, irritable, and/or contused or irritable
• Patient needs to be treated

Medical Management

• Medications:
  • Glucose tablets (over-the-counter)
  • Glucagon
  • Glucose IV infusion (D50) for unconscious patients
• Meal plan
• Alcohol/diabetic connection
• Management of plan
• Don't place food in unconscious patient's mouth

Nursing Diagnosis

• Acute confusion
• Ineffective health management related to deficient knowledge and imbalanced nutrition less than body requirements related to imbalance.

Nursing and Evidence-Based Care

• IV access
• Follow facility protocol for hypoglycemia Glucose administration
• Frequent monitoring
• Notify Physician
• Dependent on results, patient may be given food or D50 intravenously for low blood sugar

Cultural Consideration

• Cultural considerations impact patient care.

Patient Teaching

• Disease process
• Why frequent checks?
• Involve patient in care by asking them about their symptoms.

Collaborative Problems/Potential Complications

• Lead to seizures
• Decreased glucose supply to the brain, causing brain disorder along with decreased energy in brain
• Increased alertness

Summary

• Hypoglycemia is an emergency requiring immediate intervention.
• Follow facility protocols promptly
• Continue monitoring
• Ensure patient is stable before discharge
• Make sure IV is patent
• Notify physician

This quiz covers the definition, pathophysiology, and risk factors associated with hypoglycemia. Additionally, it details clinical manifestations, therapeutic management strategies, and laboratory diagnostics for effective treatment. Test your knowledge on the essential aspects of managing low blood glucose levels.