Page 949 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

a. Hypoglycemia is a blood glucose level
less than 70 mg/dL (4 mmol/L) (or as
specified by the PHCP).
b. Hypoglycemia results from too much
insulin, not enough food, or excessive
activity.
2. Signs include headache, nausea, sweating, tremors,
lethargy, hunger, confusion, slurred speech, tingling
around the mouth, and anxiety.

3. Interventions (Boxes 32-3 and 32-4; see also

Priority Nursing Actions)

K. Hyperglycemia

1. Description: Elevated blood glucose level (> 200
mg/dL [11.4 mmol/L], or as specified by the PHCP)
2. Signs include polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia,
blurred vision, weakness, weight loss, and syncope.
3. Interventions (Box 32-5)

4. Sick day rules (Box 32-6)

L. Diabetic ketoacidosis

1. Description
a. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a complication
of diabetes mellitus that develops
when a severe insulin deficiency
occurs.
b. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a life-
threatening condition.
c. Hyperglycemia that progresses to
metabolic acidosis occurs.
d. Diabetic ketoacidosis develops over
several hours to days.
e. The blood glucose level is greater than
300 mg/dL (greater than 17.14
mmol/L), and urine and serum ketone
tests are positive.

Manifestations of diabetic ketoacidosis

include signs of hyperglycemia, Kussmaul’s
respirations, acetone (fruity) breath odor, increasing
lethargy, and decreasing level of consciousness.
2. Interventions

949