Hypoglycemia Overview 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 without intervention.
• Risk Factors:
  • Insulin excess
  • Deficient food intake
  • Exercise
  • Alcohol

Clinical Manifestations

• Systems involved (priority concerns): Endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, neuromuscular, neurological

Therapeutic Management

• Eat or drink 15-20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates
• Monitor blood sugar
• Have a snack or meal
• Blood glucose goal: >70

Lab and Diagnostics

• Blood glucose
• Patient assessment, vital signs.

Medical Management

• Medications: Glucose tablets, Glucagon, Glucose IV infusion
• Meal plan
• Alcohol/diabetic connection management
• Important note: Do not place food in mouth of unconscious patient.

Nursing Diagnosis

• Acute confusion
• Ineffective health management (related to deficient knowledge)
• 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

Cultural Considerations

• Importance of addressing cultural norms/practices

Patient Teaching

• Disease process explanation
• Reasons for frequent blood sugar checks
• Encourage patient to describe symptoms

Collaborative Problems/Potential Complications

• Can lead to seizures
• Decreased glucose supply to the brain can result in brain disorders
• Loss of consciousness, adverse effects

Summary

• Hypoglycemia is an emergent condition
• Follow facility protocols
• Monitor the patient closely.
• Notify physician
• Maintain stable blood glucose levels.

This quiz covers the critical aspects of hypoglycemia, including its definition, pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical manifestations, and therapeutic management. It also emphasizes the importance of appropriate medical and nursing diagnoses, making it essential for healthcare professionals.