DIABETIC ASSESSMENT


What is HHNKS?
HHNKS stands for Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Nonketotic Syndrome.
Patients who exhibit this condition are usually older and have type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms  and treatment of HHNKS
Severe dehydration (due to high blood glucose), mental confusion, hypotension,
and seizures may result. Medical management is necessary. Fluid replacement
therapy to combat dehydration and correction of electrolyte imbalances are
ordered by the doctor.

Recognizing the differences between Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia
Hyperglycemia is high blood sugar and may complicate diabetes mellitus.
Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar and may result from insulin being given
and mealtime being skipped.

Monitoring blood glucose:
Monitoring blood glucose is an essential part of managing the diabetic patient.
Hypoglycemic agents or insulin or both will be ordered by the doctor to meet
 the patient's needs.


 

Scenario: Tom is a 35 year old male who had open heart surgery two weeks ago.
 Wound healing has been difficult because his blood sugars have been hard to control.
Questions have been raised about family members bringing him snacks. Tom and family
 will need teaching.

It is important for the nurse to recognize that poor healing may occur in the diabetic patient.
Documentation of wound healing should be addressed.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

HELPFUL INFORMATION ABOUT AN AORTIC ABDOMINAL ANEURYSM

Image
  Scenario : Mr. S is an elderly male who has a longstanding history of hypertension. He suddenly develops throbbing  pain in the abdomen. He notified his doctor and was admitted to the hospital for tests. A CAT scan would reveal an  Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Surgical intervention for AAA was done emergently. Following surgery, Mr.S was transferred to the ICU  for a higher level of care. During his stay, his vital  signs, neurological, cardiac and respiratory status   would all be monitored. Please click on the links for more learning: Hemodynamic Monitoring Info for the layperson
Read more

CHEST PAIN ASSESSMENT AND EKG - QUIZ

Image
                       Chest pain assessment Chest pain is a very common complaint . It may occur anywhere and anytime, even at rest. It may be related to stress or actual damage to the heart. A patient having a heart attack , may very readily complain of chest pain. Helpful hints : If the patient in your care is complaining of chest pain,   immediate action should be taken to assess the pain. Chest pain may be sharp, severe and stabbing. It may also feel like pressure in the chest or  Like a pair of hands squeezing the chest.  It is important to do a pain assessment on a scale of 1-10 and document results. It is also of note to ask the patient to describe the character  and duration of the pain. Always remember to document all interventions. Follow your Institution's policies, procedures and MD orders for chest pain. Do you know your heart Simple EKG interpretation: The EKG (Electrocardiogram) is a noninv...
Read more

CARDIOGENIC SHOCK - QUIZ QUESTIONS

Image
Myocardial infarction A heart attack is the layman's term for a (MI) myocardial infarction.     It is caused by  a lack of blood supply to the heart muscle. A blood clot  or plaque, may obstruct the flow of blood. This typically occurs in the    patient with CAD (   coronary artery disease) .  Symptoms include:                           chest pain which may radiate to the shoulder and jaw, pressure or                                                                      tightness in the chest, anxiety, nausea, vomiting and shortness of breath.                                              ...
Read more