Diabetes Foundations
This type of diabetes results from autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells.
What is Type 1 diabetes mellitus?
Shakiness, sweating, palpitations, and lightheadedness are classic signs of this condition.
What is hypoglycemia?
When mixing regular and NPH insulin, this insulin is drawn up first.
What is regular insulin (clear before cloudy)?
Severe hyperglycemia, profound dehydration, and minimal or absent ketosis are most consistent with this emergency.
What is HHS?
A client with diabetes should inspect these every day for cuts, redness, blisters, or swelling.
What are the feet?
A client with Type 1 diabetes is scheduled for surgery. The nurse anticipates this may become more difficult to control because of the stress response.
What is blood glucose?
This eye complication results from damage to the small blood vessels of the retina.
What is diabetic retinopathy?
This is the primary pathophysiologic problem in Type 2 diabetes.
What is insulin resistance with progressively decreased insulin secretion?
A conscious client with mild hypoglycemia should receive this amount of fast-acting carbohydrate.
What is 15 grams?
Before withdrawing regular and NPH insulin, the nurse injects air into this vial first.
What is the NPH vial?
Kussmaul respirations and fruity breath are most consistent with this emergency.
What is DKA?
During illness, the client should generally check blood glucose at least this often.
What is every 4 hours?
A confused but awake client is cool and clammy before dinner. The nurse should perform this immediate bedside assessment.
What is a point-of-care blood glucose check?
This kidney complication is associated with progressive damage to the glomerular microvasculature.
What is diabetic nephropathy?
A client with this type of diabetes requires lifelong insulin because the body produces little or no insulin.
What is Type 1 diabetes mellitus?
After giving fast-acting carbohydrate for hypoglycemia, recheck the blood glucose in this many minutes.
What is 15 minutes?
This long-acting insulin must never be mixed with another insulin.
What is insulin glargine (Lantus)?
The first major treatment priority for HHS is the administration of this type of fluid.
What is isotonic IV fluid, such as 0.9% normal saline?
Clients should carry this during exercise to treat a possible low blood glucose.
What is a fast-acting carbohydrate or glucose source?
A client with HHS has dry mucous membranes and glucose of 600 mg/dL. The priority nursing problem is related to this.
What is severe fluid volume deficit/dehydration?
Numbness, burning, or loss of protective sensation in the feet is most consistent with this complication.
What is diabetic peripheral neuropathy?
Prednisone may increase the risk for this glucose problem.
What is glucose intolerance or hyperglycemia?
An unconscious client with a glucose of 45 mg/dL and no usable IV access may receive this medication.
What is glucagon IM or subcutaneously?
A client taking metformin receives iodinated contrast. The nurse should hold the drug after the procedure until this is confirmed.
What is adequate/normal renal function, typically reassessed about 48 hours after contrast?
This electrolyte must be monitored closely during DKA treatment because insulin moves it into cells.
What is potassium?
A client should avoid exercise when glucose is very high and this is present in the urine or blood.
What are ketones?
A client with diabetes has a nonhealing foot sore. The safest teaching is to do this rather than begin home treatment.
What is report it promptly to the healthcare provider/podiatry team?
Annual dilated eye examinations and routine urine albumin assessment help detect these two microvascular complications early.
What are retinopathy and nephropathy?
Metformin and glipizide are sometimes prescribed together because they target these two different mechanisms.
What are reduced hepatic glucose production/improved insulin sensitivity and increased pancreatic insulin release?
Name two appropriate examples of approximately 15 grams of carbohydrate.
What are 4 oz juice, 4 tsp sugar, 1 Tbsp honey/syrup, or about 1 cup skim milk? Any two.
Order: glimepiride 5 mg. Available: 2 mg tablets. This is the dose in tablets.
What is 2.5 tablets?
A Type 1 diabetic client skipped mealtime insulin, ate a very large meal, and exercised intensely. These factors place the client at greatest risk for this complication.
What is DKA?
For long-term prevention of retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and cardiovascular disease, this is the most important overall goal.
What is maintaining stable/controlled blood glucose levels?
A client in DKA has glucose 360 mg/dL and is receiving an IV insulin infusion. This order would be inappropriate at this time: give one ampule of this medication.
What is D50 (50% dextrose)?
A client has decreased foot sensation and a small nonhealing wound. Identify the microvascular complication and the priority nursing teaching.
What is peripheral neuropathy? Inspect the feet daily, avoid barefoot walking or heat, wear properly fitting shoes, and promptly report wounds.