Med Surg III - Diabetes Flashcards
(102 cards)
What is DKA?
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
- deficiency of insulin
- hyperglycemia
- ketosis
- acidosis
- dehydration
- BS >250
DKA: What are some precipitating factors?
Illness Infection Inadequate insulin dosage Undiagnosed Type I diabetes Poor self-management Neglect
DKA: Pathophysiology?
- Circulating insulin is insufficient, elevation of counter-regulatory hormones (glucagon, cortisol, and growth hormone)
- Glucose is not used, so the body breaks down fat for energy
- Ketones (acid by-product of fat metabolism) removed in urine (Ketonuria)
- Ketosis alters pH balance
- Metabolic acidosis develops
- Electrolytes depleted - body attempting electrical neutrality, caused by polyuria (Na, K, Cl, Mg, Ph), hypovolemia
- Insulin def. impairs protein synthesis, degradation. Nitrogen losses.
- Insulin def. stimulates glucose production which leads to further hyperglycemia.
Signs of dehydration:
Poor skin turgor (if older, check chest, forehead for tenting) Dry mucous membranes Tachycardia Orthostatic hypotension Sunken eyeballs Lethargy
What is orthostatic hypotension:
Decreased bp when standing (may take up to 3 minutes to appear)
What are some clinical manifestations of DKA?
Dehydration Abdominal pain N/V Kussmaul respirations Blood glucose >250 pH <7.35 Ketones in blood and urine
What are Kussmaul respirations:
Body’s attempt to reverse metabolic acidosis.
Deep and rapid.
How to treat DKA?
- IV insertion … hydrate!
- Fluids - NS or 1/2 NS to quickly increase vol.
- K+ for hypokalemia
- at risk for vtac, vfib, place pt. on cardiac monitor
- Insulin bolus/insulin infusion
- Pt. becomes anxious/nervous/sweaty
- Get glucose reading hourly
What is HHNS:
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome
Describe HHNS?
The pt. is able to produce enough insulin to prevent DKA, but not enough to prevent severe hyperglycemia, osmotic diuresis, and extracellular fluid depletion.
Some signs of HHNS?
No ketosis
Hypovolemic
Usually occurs in older adults with Type 2
Hospital admission - insert large bore IV cath for large volumes of IV fluids
How to care for a patient with HHNS?
IV fluids, NS or 1/2 NS Regular insulin - bolus then infusion Monitor lytes - polyuria Requires more fluid than DKA - pt. severely dehydrated, blood sugar severely high Cardiac monitoring
What is hypoglycemia?
Too much insulin
Symptoms mimic alcohol withdrawal
Blood glucose <70 mg/dl
Confusion, irritability, diaphoresis, tremors, hunger, weakness, visual disturbances
Treatment for hypoglycemia?
Check glucose Give 1/2 c. juice, pop, etc. Follow with complex carbohydrate and protein to prevent sugar crash Vital signs Document!!
Some complications of hypo/hyperglycemia?
Angiopathy - macrovascular - microvascular - retinopathy Nephropathy Neuropathy Infection
What is Angiopathy?
blood vessel disease
What is macrovascular angiopathy?
vascular cardio and PVD blood vessel disease. First indication of angiopathy.
What is microvascular angiopathy?
eyes, kidneys, and skin. Can take years to see evidence.
What is retinopathy?
microanurisms in capillary walls of eye, leaks out into eye, microvascular damage to eye.
What is nephropathy?
damage to the kidney treated with aggressive management with ACE inhibitors (prils)
What is neuropathy/sensory neuropathy?
nerve damage
Sensory - lops (loss of protective sensation)
-avoid high heels
-wash feet, dry, no soaking
-avoid heating pads, commercial callus and corn remover
-see specialist
Long-term complications of diabetes?
Neuropathy Pressure ulcers Blindness Stroke Amputation Dementia
What is autonomic neuropathy?
controls involuntary body functions.
What are signs of autonomic neuropathy?
Hypoglycemia unawareness Bowel incontinence Diarrhea Urinary retention Gastroparesis Cardiovascular abnormalities Sexual dysfunction