Finger-stick Blood Glucose Level Lecture Notes

Overview

• Commonly referred to as blood sugar.
• Essential diagnostic tool, especially for diabetic patients.

Principles of Obtaining Blood Glucose Level

• Several types of glucose monitors are available.
• Hospital equipment vs home equipment can differ significantly.
• Understand the capabilities and limitations of the specific monitor used.

Monitoring Protocols

• Patient's condition dictates frequency and timing of tests.
  • Diabetic patients: Before meals and at bedtime (AC and HS).
  • Some patients: Every 6 hours, especially if on nutritional supplements.
  • Intensive Care Unit: More frequent monitoring.

Critical Blood Glucose Ranges

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar):
  • Most facilities: Less than 70 mg/dL.
  • American Diabetes Association (ADA): Less than 54 mg/dL.
• Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar):
  • Most facilities: Greater than 140 mg/dL.

Hypoglycemia

• ADA defines severe hypoglycemia as less than 54 mg/dL with symptoms.
• Symptoms:
  • Anxiety, confusion, tingling.
  • Diaphoresis (sweating), clammy skin.
  • Tachycardia (fast heart rate), hunger, shakes/tremors.
• Requires quick treatment and is typically more concerning for nurses.

Hyperglycemia

• Defined as blood glucose greater than 140 mg/dL.
• Symptoms:
  • Fatigue, blurred vision, excessive thirst.
  • Fruity breath (indicates extremely high glucose levels).
  • Nausea, vomiting, increased urination.
• Patients may not show symptoms until extremely high levels.
• Chronic hyperglycemia can result in blood glucose levels around 200 mg/dL without symptoms.

Patient Education

• Importance of regular glucose monitoring for diabetic patients.
• Awareness of symptoms and appropriate actions for both hypo- and hyperglycemia.