Hypoglycemia
Case Study 1
1.) Define hypoglycemia. What are hypoglycemic blood glucose values in an adult?
Hypoglycemia: Low blood glucose level that results from too much insulin, not enough food, or excess activity. It is defined as the presence of Whipple’s triad: manifestations consistent with low blood glucose, a low plasma glucose concentration, and resolution of symptoms or signs after plasma glucose concentration is raised. Four common causes are: 1.) excess insulin, 2.) deficient intake or absorption of food, 3.) exercise, and 4.) alcohol intake.
When blood glucose falls below 70 mg/dl or when the blood glucose level drops rapidly from an elevated level.
2.) Describe the clinical manifestations of hypoglycemia. How low does a client’s blood glucose need to fall before the client exhibits clinical manifestations?
Mild hypoglycemia: The client remains fully awake but displays adrenergic symptoms; the blood glucose level is usually lower than 60 mg/dl. S/S: hunger, nervousness, palpitations, sweating, tachycardia, tremor
Moderate hypoglycemia: The client displays symptoms of worsening hypoglycemia; the blood glucose level is usually lower than 40 mg/dl. S/S: confusion, double vision, drowsiness, emotional changes, HA, impaired coordination, inability to concentrate, irrational or combative behavior, light headedness, numbness of the lips and tongue, slurred speech
Severe hypoglycemia: The client displays severe neuroglycopenic symptoms; the blood glucose level is usually lower than 20 mg/dl. S/S: difficulty arousing, disoriented behavior, loss of consciousness, seizures
3.) Provide a rationale for why the HCP asked the client about alcohol intake, vigorous exercise, marijuana, the use of recreational drugs, and prescription medications.
All of these assessment questions provide information regarding predisposing factors to hypoglycemia.
Alcohol inhibits liver glucose production and leads to hypoglycemia. It interferes with the counterregulatory response to
1.) Define hypoglycemia. What are hypoglycemic blood glucose values in an adult?
Hypoglycemia: Low blood glucose level that results from too much insulin, not enough food, or excess activity. It is defined as the presence of Whipple’s triad: manifestations consistent with low blood glucose, a low plasma glucose concentration, and resolution of symptoms or signs after plasma glucose concentration is raised. Four common causes are: 1.) excess insulin, 2.) deficient intake or absorption of food, 3.) exercise, and 4.) alcohol intake.
When blood glucose falls below 70 mg/dl or when the blood glucose level drops rapidly from an elevated level.
2.) Describe the clinical manifestations of hypoglycemia. How low does a client’s blood glucose need to fall before the client exhibits clinical manifestations?
Mild hypoglycemia: The client remains fully awake but displays adrenergic symptoms; the blood glucose level is usually lower than 60 mg/dl. S/S: hunger, nervousness, palpitations, sweating, tachycardia, tremor
Moderate hypoglycemia: The client displays symptoms of worsening hypoglycemia; the blood glucose level is usually lower than 40 mg/dl. S/S: confusion, double vision, drowsiness, emotional changes, HA, impaired coordination, inability to concentrate, irrational or combative behavior, light headedness, numbness of the lips and tongue, slurred speech
Severe hypoglycemia: The client displays severe neuroglycopenic symptoms; the blood glucose level is usually lower than 20 mg/dl. S/S: difficulty arousing, disoriented behavior, loss of consciousness, seizures
3.) Provide a rationale for why the HCP asked the client about alcohol intake, vigorous exercise, marijuana, the use of recreational drugs, and prescription medications.
All of these assessment questions provide information regarding predisposing factors to hypoglycemia.
Alcohol inhibits liver glucose production and leads to hypoglycemia. It interferes with the counterregulatory response to