NSB231 Module 2: Acute Diabetes Care Flashcards

Vocab-style flashcards covering the pathophysiology, symptoms, management, and nursing education requirements for acute diabetic complications like DKA and HHS.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

A condition caused by a profound deficiency of insulin characterised by hyperglycaemia, ketosis, acidosis, and dehydration.

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic Syndrome (HHS)

A life-threatening syndrome that occurs when a patient produces enough insulin to prevent DKA but not enough to prevent severe hyperglycaemia, osmotic diuresis, and extracellular fluid depletion.

Ketones

Acidic by-products of fat metabolism that alter the pH balance, causing metabolic acidosis to develop.

Diabetic nephropathy

A condition where the small blood vessels in the glomeruli are affected in relation to diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus confirmation (Fasting)

A fasting blood glucose level of $7.00\,mmol/L$ or greater.

Glycated (glycosylated) haemoglobin (haemoglobin A1c)

A laboratory test useful for monitoring long-term blood glucose control.

Peripheral neuropathy

A condition presenting with numbness, tingling, decreased sensation in the feet, and loss of proprioception.

Hypoglycaemia

A clinical state where blood glucose is less than $4.0\,mmol/L$, often treated with the 'rule of 15'.

Kussmaul respirations

Deep, rapid breathing with dyspnoea, found in patients with DKA as the body compensates for metabolic acidosis.

Fruity acetone breath

A clinical sign of DKA caused by high ketone levels.

HHS Laboratory values

Characteristic findings include a blood glucose level greater than $34\,mmol/L$, marked increase in serum osmolality, and absent or minimal ketone bodies.

Protophane

An intermediate-acting basal/background insulin with an onset of $1.5\,hrs$, peak of $5\,hrs$, and duration up to $24\,hours$.

Actrapid

A rapid/short-acting bolus insulin with an onset of $30\,mins$, peak of $1.5-3\,hrs$, and duration of $7-8\,hr$.

Novomix 30

A premixed insulin consisting of both rapid and intermediate acting insulin.

Lipohypertrophy

The build-up of fatty lumps at injection sites due to lack of rotation, which can lead to unpredictable blood glucose levels.

Sick day management

The protocol of continuing oral agents and insulin and checking blood glucose 2-hourly during illness, even if oral intake is reduced.

Contract cheating

The outsourcing of assessment solutions to a third party, which includes impersonation and the unauthorised use of generative artificial intelligence (AI).