Question

Identify the factors that have contributed to the development of hypoglycaemia, the nursing interventions both immediate and in the long term to prevent the situation from occurring again or reduce the risk of serious consequences.

Answer 1

The nursing interventions both immediate and in the long term to prevent the situation from occurring again or reduce the risk of serious consequences.

• Testing blood glucose level
• Treating with a fast-acting carbohydrate such as:
  • 5 dextrose tablets (3 g each)*, or
  • 3 glucose tablets (5 g each)*, or
  • 3/4 cup (175 ml) regular pop, or
  • 3/4 cup juice, or
  • 3 teaspoons sugar or honey, or
  • 6 lifesavers

The factors that contribute to the development of hypoglycaemia include, the reased physical activity may increase due to increased insulin sensitivity. Additional factors identified included drug or alcohol consumption, older age, longer duration of diabetes, renal disease, peripheral neuropathy, obesity, and cognitive dysfunction.