Question

Nursing Implications (ASSESSMENT): If my patient becomes hypoglycemic, that means they have low blood sugar. What are the symptoms? 15%

•When can I give orange juice or sugar?

•When do I need to use medications to raise the blood sugar?

•What route(s) can Glucagon be given?

•What route(s) can D 50 be given?

In what settings might you use Glucacon versus D 50? Why

Answer 1

Normal blood glucose level is 120-80

but according to latest studies RBS(random blood sugar) less than 70 is considered as hypoglycemia.

signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia are:

- sweating

- fatigue

- shaking

- giddiness , blurring of vision

- mental confusions, headache or light headedness, slurred speech.

- some patients may show nausea and vomiting.

1) orange juice can be given if patient’s sugars are less but patient is conscious and oriented. Because juice is given orally and patient should swallow it properly to ensure aspiration won’t happen.

2) medications are used if patients sugars are extremely low or patient exhibits signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia like extremely sweating, giddiness, going to comatose stage etc. During that time we should waste our time by trying any oral sugar replacement because it will take more time for absorption. Therefore, fast acting IV dextrose are preferred.

3) D50 is given intravenously. Patient should have a patent peripheral line and it can be given. After giving sugars must be rechecked to ensure sugar level have raised.

4) glucagon is a powder.. it is given orally, As explained earlier depending on the sugar level and patient response we can use this. D50 is given IV form. It is given when sugar levels are extremely less and patient condition is bad, eg: RBS-40mg/dL and patient is sweating profusely and giddy.