Chapter 22: Problem 9
A patient with diabetes is experiencing low blood glucose levels. The nurse teaches the patient to use which of the following when he or she experiences low blood glucose. 1 Drink 4 ounces of sugar-free juice 2 Eat several saltine crackers with peanut butter 3 Eat one or two hard candies 4 Drink at least 4 ounces of fruit juice
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Identify Symptoms of Low Blood Glucose
Evaluate Treatment Options
Select the Correct Choice
Apply the 15-15 Rule if Necessary
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Diabetes Management
- Monitoring blood glucose levels regularly to ensure they stay within a target range. Typically, this is done using a glucometer.
- Adhering to a balanced diet that is low in excessively processed carbohydrates and is rich in whole grains, proteins, and fibrous vegetables.
- Incorporating regular physical activity, which helps regulate blood sugar and improves overall health.
- Taking prescribed medications or insulin as directed by healthcare professionals to maintain glucose control.
- Attending regular check-ups with healthcare providers, including endocrinologists and diabetes educators, to review and adjust treatment plans as needed.
Hypoglycemia Treatment
- Recognizing the symptoms of hypoglycemia quickly, such as sweating, shaking, dizziness, and confusion.
- Consuming a fast-acting carbohydrate immediately. The most effective options are those rich in simple sugars, such as regular fruit juice or glucose tablets, which help raise the glucose level quickly.
- Implementing the "15-15 Rule": After treatment, it's advised to wait 15 minutes and then check the blood sugar levels. If they are still low, consume another quick source of sugar.
- Avoiding foods that are high in fat and protein during an episode, as they can slow down the absorption of sugar.
Patient Teaching
- Teach them to regularly monitor their blood sugar levels and recognize patterns that may require medication or lifestyle adjustments.
- Inform on the importance of recognizing symptoms of both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, and provide strategies for management.
- Explain the significance of a balanced diet and physical activity, and how these can help stabilize blood sugar levels. Provide them with easy-to-follow dietary and exercise plans.
- Show how to properly use diabetes management tools such as glucometers and insulin pens.
- Encourage attendance at diabetes education programs for continued learning and support.
Symptom Recognition
- Low blood glucose (Hypoglycemia) symptoms include sweating, trembling, hunger, dizziness, and anxiety, among others.
- High blood glucose (Hyperglycemia) symptoms can include frequent urination, increased thirst, blurred vision, and fatigue.
- Encourage keeping a symptom diary to make correlating symptoms with blood sugar levels easier. This can help in identifying trends and making necessary lifestyle or medication adjustments.
- Discuss the importance of acting quickly when symptoms are recognized to prevent complications.