Question

23. The nurse teaches a client with diabetes mellitus about differentiating between hypoglycemi and ketoacidosis. The client demonstrates an understanding of the teaching by stating that a form of glucose should be taken if which symptom or symptoms develop? Select all that apply 1. Polyuria 2. Shakiness 3. Palpitations 4. Blurred vision 5. Lightheadedness 6. Fruity breath odor

Answer 1

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterised by high levels of blood sugar known as hyperglycaemia. It is caused because of the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin or the cells cannot utilise the insulin produced by pancreas to break down glucose.

Diabetes mellitus is characterised by polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, excessive hunger, vision disturbances.

Hypoglycaemia is a complication of diabetes which is characterised by fall in blood sugar levels below normal. Symptoms include weakness, dizziness, shaking, mental confusion, blurred vision, sweating.

Ketoacidosis is another major complication of diabetes. When the cells are unable to utilise insulin to breakdown glucose liver breaks down fat into ketones to use it as source for energy. This leads excess production if ketone in body and turns the blood acidic. Symptoms include tachycardia, nausea, vomiting, fruity ketotic smell, weakness.

The patient should take form of glucose when symptoms of hypoglycaemia develops to maintain blood sugar levels.

So the answer is shakiness, blurred vision, palpitation, lightheadedness.

Polyuria or increased frequency of urination is a sign of hyperglycaemia whereas fruity breath odour is sign of ketoacidosis.