The nurse monitors the blood glucose levels of a patient being treated with insulin for diabetic ketoacidosis. Why should the nurse ensure glucose levels decline at the rate of 50-70 mg/dL/hour?
◦ A rapid drop in blood glucose can result in formation of thromboses as a result of dehydration.
◦ When blood glucose drops rapidly, fluids shift out of the cell, which increases dehydration, causing severe hypovolemic shock.
◦ When blood glucose drops rapidly, severe damage to the brain results from metabolic alkalosis.
◦ A rapid drop in blood glucose can result in hypokalemia, causing life-threatening arrhythmias.
Blood
Teaching an illterate patient
A visually impaired patient is assisted by a service dog.
Symptoms of a patient in shock.
Diabetic retinopathy