Question

Orders have been corrected and initiated. C.J. has received fluid resuscitation and is on a sliding scale insulin drip via infusion pump. Her latest glucose was 347 mg/dl.

  What is the rationale behind using an infusion pump for the insulin drip?

Answer 1

Her latest glucose was 347mg/dl( it is in very high range), this increases chance of diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a very dangerous condition.

So, you need to provide insulin to body, which prevents DKA by using glucose as energy in the presence of insulin as well as reduces blood glucose level.

In this case, you have to administer both long-acting and short-acting insulin, short-acting insulin helps in an immediate reduction of blood glucose level but it needs a continuous infusion. Here the role of the infusion pump is very necessary for continuous regulated infusion.

When you are giving short-acting insulin by sliding scale then glucose level is fluctuating, to regulate the glucose level you need to administer continuous low dose insulin with a series pump.