Blood Glucose Level of 90 mg/dL in Client with 50% Burns: Nurse’s Best Action
Nurse’s Best Action
The nurse’s best action when a client with a 50% burn injury has a blood glucose level of 90 mg/dL 10 hours after admission is to continue to monitor the client’s blood glucose level closely. This is because the client is at risk for developing hypoglycemia, especially in the first 24 hours after the burn injury.
Why is Hypoglycemia a Risk in Burn Patients?
Hypoglycemia is a condition in which the blood glucose level is too low. It can occur in burn patients for a number of reasons, including:
- Stress hyperglycemia: Burn injury is a major stressor, which can cause the body to release hormones that increase blood glucose levels. However, in the first 24 hours after the burn injury, the body’s response to stress can change, and blood glucose levels can drop.
- Insulin resistance: Burn injury can cause insulin resistance, which makes it more difficult for the body to use insulin to lower blood glucose levels.
- Glycogen depletion: Glycogen is a stored form of glucose that is released into the bloodstream when blood glucose levels drop. However, burn injury can deplete glycogen stores, which can lead to hypoglycemia.
Symptoms of Hypoglycemia in Burn Patients
The symptoms of hypoglycemia in burn patients can vary depending on the severity of the hypoglycemia. Some common symptoms of hypoglycemia include:
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Hunger
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
Treatment of Hypoglycemia in Burn Patients
The treatment of hypoglycemia in burn patients typically involves providing a source of glucose, such as dextrose. Dextrose can be given orally, intravenously, or through a nasogastric tube.
Nurse’s Role in Preventing and Managing Hypoglycemia in Burn Patients
Nurses play a vital role in preventing and managing hypoglycemia in burn patients. Nurses can help to prevent hypoglycemia by:
- Monitoring the client’s blood glucose level closely
- Providing the client with a regular diet and snacks
- Administering insulin as prescribed by the healthcare team
Nurses can also help to manage hypoglycemia by:
- Recognizing the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia
- Providing the client with a source of glucose, such as dextrose
- Notifying the healthcare team if the client’s blood glucose level drops below 70 mg/dL
Conclusion
The nurse’s best action when a client with a 50% burn injury has a blood glucose level of 90 mg/dL 10 hours after admission is to continue to monitor the client’s blood glucose level closely. The nurse should also be aware of the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and be prepared to provide treatment if necessary.