NPH insulin
Humulin/Novolog; intermediate acting
onset: 2-4hr peak: 4-10hr duration: 10-16hr
can be used as a basal insulin (long acting, for type 1)
only basal insulin that can be mixed with short or rapid acting insulins
NPH and Aspart
compatible
Novolog should be drawn into the syringe first
the injection should be made immediately after mixing
NPH and Lispro
compatible
humalog should be drawn into the syringe first
injection should be made immediately after mixing
NPH and regular insulin
always draw the regular (clear) insulin into the syringe first
lispro
humalog; rapid acting insulin
want food tray within 30 minutes
MoA: rapidly increases peripheral glucose uptake and inhibit liver from changing glycogen to glucose
onset:15 min , peak: 60-90 min duration:3-4hr
can be used with intermediate or long-acting insulin (clear to cloudy)
regular insulin
short acting
onset: 30min to 1 hr; peak:60-90min; duration: 3-4hr
regular insulin exerts peak action in 2-3hrs
can be used with intermediate or long acting (clear to cloudy)
NPH/Reg mix 70/30
intermediate acting; insulin stimulates glucose uptake, inhibits hepatic glucose production
onset: 30-60min; peak: 2-12hrs; duration:24 hours
monitor BG q6hr, dosing should be done at same time every day
glargine (lantus)
long acting insulin
onset: 1-2hr; peak: none; duration: 24hrs
no peak means no high risk for hypoglycemia
determir
levemir; long acting insulin
onset: .8-4hrs; peak; no pronounced peak; duration: 16-24hrs
can be given twice daily
must not be diluted or mixed with other insulin/solution in the same syringe
glyburide
diabeta; sulfonylureas
take with meals
stimulates release from the pancreas and enhances cellular sensitivity to insulin
type 2 diabetes
ADR: weight gain, hypoglycemia
amitriptyline (elavil)
TCA antidepressant
used for diabetic neuropathy pain
helps closing nerve pathways
works by inhibiting reuptake of NE and serotonin (these NT play a role in transmission of pain throughout the spinal cord); SSRIs do the same purpose
metoclopramide (relgan)
antiemetic, dopamine antagonist
suppresses postop nausea
administered IVP over 2 minutes
can give undiluted
can have EPS and parkinsonian and dystonic side effects
insulin education
storage: do not heat/freeze
in-use vials may be let at room temperature up to 4 weeks
extra insulin should be refrigerated
avoid exposure to direct sunlight, extreme heat or cold
store prefilled syringes upright for 1 week if two insulin types (30 days for one)
insulin adminstration
inject at 90 degree angle, rotate injection
rapid/short acting insulin before meals
intermediate/long acting background insulin once or twice a day
monitor glucose every 4 hours and notify clinic if it continues to rise
signs of hyperglycemia
skin hot and dry, dehydration present, altered LOC, lethargic, stupor, coma with HHS, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps
signs of hypoglycemia
dizziness, cool and clammy skin, numbness, nervousness, tremors, mental confusion, faintness, vision changes, tachycardia, pallor
illness and diabetes
continue drug therapy and food intake
keep taking fluids (minimum 4oz/hr)
assess BG levels q1-2 hours
if on insulin, more may be needed
teaching: lantus/humalog and cold symptoms
develops a sore throat, cough and fever:
pt needs to monitor BG q4hr and notify doctor if it continues to rise
infection and other stressors increase BG and the pt will need to test BG frequently, treat elevations appropriately with insulin and call the HCP if glucose levels continue to be elevated
discontinuing glargine will contribute to hyperglycemia and may lead to DKA decreasing carbohydrate or caloric intake is not appropriate as the pt will need more calories when ill
diabetic ketoacidosis
acute complication associated with glucose in the blood and insufficient insulin
usually with type 1 DM
serious and rapid
DKA manifestations
kussmaul respirations
poor skin turgor
tachycardia
dry mucous membranes
thirst
soft and sunken eyes
sweet breathe
ketone in urine
DKA pathophysiology
cells are hungry and thirst due to lack of glucose in cells→ the body burns fat tissue for energy source, fatty acids are burned contributing to metabolic acidosis→ muscles try to help and burn proteins in muscles→ liver tries to make ketones to help, makes new glucose to help (goes directly to blood stream instead)→ kidneys increase urine output to try to get rid of glucose in blood, which gets rid of fluids and electrolytes→ respiratory system does kussmaul respirations, which are super deep and fast to get rid of Co2 to help reverse acidosis
hyperosmolar hyperglycemia syndrome
happens in patients that produce enough insulin to prevent DKA, but not enough to prevent hyperglycemia, osmotic diuresis (polyuria) and extracellular fluid depletion
-lose mass amounts of electrolytes and fluids
-usually start off as dehydrated
-usually in patients >60yo with T2
-glucose >600
-marked increase in serum osmolarity
-ketone bodies are both absent in blood and urine (different than DKA)
HHS manifestations
presents fewer earlier symptoms due to some pancreas unction
-then all of a sudden very severe hyperglycemia
-more severe neuro symptoms (somnolence, coma, seizures)
-the hyperosmolarity calls for major fluid replacement
HHS treatments
immediate IV fluids of NS or 1/2NS first, then insulin, then switch to D5W when glucose levels around 250mg (to avoid hypoglycemia)
monitor airway!!
cardiac monitoring with DKA/HHS
vital signs: BP, P, R q15 min until stable, BP needs to come up
record F&E levels
Na, Cl, P, K after insulin given and urine output established
hypokalemia is a significant cause of mortality in the treatment of DKA (normally occurs when insulin is given too soon)
I/O be very careful
ECG reflects K levels and cardiac response
hypovolemic shock (check skin), tachycardia
priority for HHS/DKA
-airway and breathing first
-priority therapy: immediate IV fluids of NS→ insulin→ switch IV to D5W when glucose levels around 250mg (to avoid hypoglycemia)
-insulin is carefully administered with fluid resuscitation or water and glucose will enter cell and can lead to depletion of vascular volume (hypovolemia)
-regular insulin given IV to decrease glucose in blood and send it to the starving cell and thus ketones are decreased
DKA labs
glucose >250
ph <7.30
serum bicarb <16 (normally 20-30)
ketones in blood and urine
ketones
byproduct from fat breakdown
alters pH balance, causing metabolic acidosis
HHS labs
glucose >600
high BG levels increase serum osmolality and causes neuro symptoms (somnolence, coma, seizure, hemiparesis, aphasia, stroke)
type 1 diabetes
autoimmune
manifestations develop when pancreas can no longer produce insulin- then rapid onset with ketoacidosis
T1D symptoms
weight loss (rapid, unexplained), polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, weakness and fatigue
type 2 diabetes
nonspecific symptoms
fatigue, recurrent infection, recurrent vaginal yeast/candida infection, prolonged wound healing, visual changes, onset is gradual
prediabetes
blood glucose levels elevated but not high enough for diagnostic criteria for diabetes
increased risk for development of T2 diabetes defined as: impaired glucose intolerance (2hr oral glucose tolerance test 140-199) OR impaired fasting glucose (100-125)
asymptomatic but long term damage already occurring
foot and toe care
wash feat daily with mild soap and warm water, test water temp with elbow, pat feet dry (between toes), examine daily, no lotion between toes, apply foot powder on sweaty feet, no rubbing alcohol, iodine, or strong adhesives on cuts
do not go to salons!! nurses are not allowed to cut nails
exercise and diabetes (education)
Minimum 150 minutes/week mod-intensity aerobic physical activity
Resistance training three times/week if not contraindicated
Monitor blood glucose before, during, & after exercise
Exercise best one hour after meal. Glucose-lowering effect up to 48 hours after exercise
Before exercise, if blood glucose is <100 mg/dL, eat a 15g carb snack. Recheck in
15-30 min and if BG is still low delay exercise
Snack to prevent hypoglycemia
Delay exercise if blood glucose is greater than 250 mg/dL and ketones are present in urine
fasting/nonfasting norms
prediabetes:
-2 hr oral glucose test (140-199)
-impaired fasting glucose (fasting glucose 100-125)
diabetes:
-fasting glucose >126
-two hour plasma glucose level >200
-random plasma glucose level >200 with hyper/hypoglycemia symptoms
HgA1C
6.5% or higher
neuropathy
distal symmetric, most common form affects hand and/or feel bilaterally
common cause of hospitalization with daibetes
difficult to heal, infection risk high
s/s: pain at rest, cold feet, loss of hair, delayed cap refill, dependent rubor (redness)
angiopathy
chronic hyperglycemia
damage to blood vessels
neuropathy
nerve damage, visual inspection, sensory examination, palpation
retinopathy
eye damage, dilated eye examination and fundus photography
get checked every 6 months because risk for detached retina
hypertensive retinopathy creates blockages in retinal blood vessels
can lead to optic disc edema and nerve edema (papilledema)
can cause sudden visual loss
nephropathy
kidney damage, urine for albuminuria, serum creatinine
peripheral neuropathies patho
persistent hyperglycemia leads to an accumulation of sorbitol and fructose in the nerves that causes damage, result is reduced nerve conduction and demyelination, ischemic damage by chronic hyperglycemia in blood vessels that supply the peripheral nerves
basal cell membrane thickens
autonomic retinopathy
can affect nearly all body systems
can cause hypoglycemic unawareness
-ex: gastroparesis
thyroid function labs
TSH stimulation test: increase in TSH after TRH injection suggests hypothalamic dysfunction
no change after TRH injection suggests anterior pituitary dysfunction
levothyroxine (synthroid)
for hypothyroidism and myxedema (non-pitting)
monitor angina and cardiac dysrhythmias, thyroid hormone levels
given once a day, on an empty stomach
too much causes thyrotoxicosis
treatment is usually lifelong
thyrotoxicosis
tachycardia, angina, tremor, nervousness, insomnia, hyperthermia, heat intolerance, sweating, GI, diarrhea
propylthiouracil (PTU)
fastest
inhibits T4 synthesis
hyperthyroidism
prevents iodine binding
methimazole (tapazole)
watch for jaundice
used for hyperthyroidism
take same time every day, monitor T3, CBC (lowers PLT, WBC)
prevents iodine binding
radioactive iodine (RAI)
used to distinguish Grave’s disease from other forms of thyroiditis
pt with Grave’s shows a diffuse, homogenous uptake of 35-95% whereas pt with thyroiditis shows an uptake less than 2
takes 3 months, given in larger doses for thyroid cancer
need radiation precautions during 1st week, avoid children and pregnant women
SSKI solution
Lugol’s solution
decrease thyroid vascularity-short term, usually pre-op 1-2 weeks
grave’s disease
hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis, autoimmune disease, marked by thyroid enlargement
more females, 30-50 years old
causes: toxic nodular goiter, thyroiditis, iodine excess, pituitary tumor, thyroid cancer
grave’s assessment
RAIU used to differentiate Grave’s from other forms of thyroiditis
do not palpate in hyperthyroid state (large thyroid can cut off airway)
grave’s interventions
antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine therapy, surgical intervention
-watch for arrhythmias
-IV fluids to replace fluid and electrolyte loss
-encourage exercise to relieve nervous tension
-support the head
-good grooming to address self-esteem issues
-STRIDOR is a STAT situation
manage respiratory distress, reducing fever, replacing fluid, and eliminating or managing initiating stressors
grave’s goals
goals of care: block adverse effects of excess thyroid hormone, suppress over secretion of thyroid hormone, prevent complications
grave’s eye care
exophthalmos (bulging eyes), acropachy (clubbing of the digits)
-if exophthalmos is present-prevent dry eyes, keep head of bed elevated to reduce pressure, dark glasses and eye exercises
-sometimes eyes taped shut with doctors order, avoid eye patches because may cause abrasions
meds and hypothyroidism
avoid amiodarone, lithium, and pain meds
can increase hypothyroidism risk
teaching and hypothyroidism
-medication management
-thyroid hormone therapy (need for lifelong therapy, taking thyroid hormone in the morning before food, need for regular follow-up care and monitoring of thyroid hormone levels)
-caution pt not to switch brands of the hormone since the bioavailability of thyroid hormones may differ
-emphasize the need for a comfortable, warm environment because of cold intolerance
-teach ways to prevent skin breakdown, use soap sparingly and apply lotion to skin
-caution the pt, especially if older, to avoid sedatives; if used, lowest dose, monitor mental status, LOC, respirations
-discuss ways to minimize constipation
ways to minimize constipation
gradual increase in activity and exercise
increased fiber in diet
use of stool softeners
regular bowel elimination time
tell pt to avoid using enemas, cause vagal stimulation, can be hazardous if heart disease is present
myxedema coma
maintain a patent airway
-determine intitial cause, usually from UTIs/infections
replace fluids with IV normal or hypertonic saline
give levothyroxine sodium IV as prescribed, give glucose IV as prescribed, give corticosteroids as prescribed
Check temperatures hourly, Monitor blood pressure hourly, cover with warm blankets (do not use heaters because of decreased sense or burning and vasodilation), monitor for changes in mental status, turn every 2 hours, institute aspiration precautions
post-thyroidectomy complications
Hypothyroidism
Damage or inadvertent removal of parathyroid glands (tetany, low calcium)
Hemorrhage
Injury to laryngeal nerve (long term hoarseness)
Thyrotoxic crisis
Infection
post-thyroidectomy care
Humidified O2, suction, and trach tray at bedside
HOB elevated to semi-fowler's position
Support head with pillows, avoid flexion of neck and any tension on suture lines
Assess s/s hemorrhage or tracheal compression
Irregular breathing, neck swelling, frequent swallowing, sensation of fullness at incision site, choking, and blood on anterior or posterior dressing
Laryngeal stridor may occur d/t swelling or tetany (note early, respond STAT)
MD might order IV calcium gluconate to avoid emergency. Long-term takes calcium p.o.
Monitor vital signs. Check tetany (paresthesias) for 72h
Control post-op pain
carpal spasm
Trousseau’s sign
hypocalcemia
occurs with hypoparathyroidism, decreased PTH
encourage mobility to avoid bone calcification
hypoparathyroidism education
High-calcium diet: vitamin D, green leafy vegetables, soybeans, tofu
postop care (inadvertent parathyroidectomy)
If day surgery: ambulate soon, go home same day, soft food next
Teach:
Hoarseness, voice changes may persist, should not have difficulty breathing
Diet to avoid weight gain, balanced with exercise at home
Life long medication needs (contraindicated meds, timing of meds with meals)
Calcium p.o.
AKA post-op goal
preserve greatest extremity length and function while removing all infection, pathologic or ischemic tissue, reach maximum rehab potential
AKA preop amputation
Teach patient about periop care, help pt and family understand that rehab can result in active, useful life, discuss reason for surg, impact of lifestyle
Teach upper body exercises to promote arm strength with BKA, prosthesis fitting may be immediate or delayed
AKA teaching
avoid flexion contractures-patients should avoid sitting in a chair for more than 1 hour with hips flexed and having pillows under surgical extremity
check circulation under dressing several times per day
when lying in bed, make sure limbs are always straight!!
Always lie on abdomen for 30 minutes 2-4 times a day to prevent hip contractures
AKA hemorrhage
be alert, may see with immediate postop prosthesis application
Note drop in BP or urine output, increased HR< mental status change, skin cool and pale
Assess dressing and vital signs
Keep surgical tourniquet available
Notify surgeon immediately! Begin efforts to control hemorrhage
phantom pain
may feel as if removed limb is still present after surgery (90% occurrence) Pain is real! Need management! Pain meds!!
Teach about phantom pain/ sensation- may feel as if removed limb is still present after surgery (90% occurrence), may become chronic or subside Pain management, mirror therapy (reduces phantom pain by looking in mirror at moving arm, giving illusion that limb is moving)
stump positioning/care
Need to protect skin!!
Teach stump position, elevate first 24-48 hours after surgery, position to prevent hip or knee flexion contracture
Avoid flexion contractures (hip flexion)
Pt should avoid sitting in a chair for more than 1 hour with hips flexed or having pillows under surgical extremity
Position hip in extension while prone Should lie on abdomen for 30 minutes 3-4x per day
DO- keep limb flat, lie prone ( on stomach), equal weight on both hips while sitting
DON'T- rest stump on crutch handles or arm of wheelchair, sit for long periods, now pillows under knees, no knee bending for prolonged periods
Check circulation under dressing several times per day, begin active ROM of all joints ASAP post surgery
atenolol (tenormin)
Cardioselective blocker
Blocks beta-1 adrenergic receptors, reduces BP by doing so, decreases CO and reduce sympathetic vasoconstrictor tone, decreases renin secretion by kidneys
Monitor pulse and BP regularly, use with caution in patients with diabetes because may depress the tachycardia associated with hypoglycemia and adversely affect glucose metabolism
propranolol (inderal)
Blocks b1 and b2 adrenergic receptors, reduce BP by blocking b1 and b2 adrenergic effects
Same as cardioselective, expect may cause bronchospasm, especially in patients with a history of asthma
beta blocker and respiratory
Non-cardioselective blockers may cause bronchospasms
Especially cautious with asthma
HTN discontinued
sudden discontinuation may cause withdrawal syndrome, including rebound HTN, tachycardia, headache, tremors, apprehension, sweating
risk factors of HTN
blacks, hispanics (less likely to receive treatment), men (more common before middle age), women (increased with oral contraceptives; more common after menopause)
Age, alcohol use, tobacco use, diabetes, elevated serum lipids, excess dietary sodium, gender, family history, obesity, ethnicity, sedentary lifestyle, socioeconomic status, stress
primary HTN risks
Altered endothelial function, increased SNS activity, increased Na intake, overproduction of Na retaining hormones, overweight, diabetes, tobacco, excess alcohol
compliance with blood pressure meds
Cost of medications and unwanted side effects
Measures to enhance compliance
Individualize plan
Active patient participation
Select affordable drugs
Involve caregivers
Combination drugs
Patient teaching
hypertensive encephalopathy
A syndrome in which a sudden rise in BP is associated with a severe headache, nausea, vomiting, seizures, confusion, and coma
Manifestations: result of increased cerebral capillary permeability, which can lead to cerebral edema and disruption in cerebral function
secondary HTN
discover primary diagnosis
Often present in patients with obstructive sleep apnea; cirrhosis, aortic problems, drug-related, endocrine, neurologic, or renal problems, pregnancy-induced, or sleep apnea
hypertensive crisis
Rapid and severe elevation in BP in the absence of organ injury
History of HTN, not adherent or undermedicated
Causes: acute aortic dissection, exacerbation of chronic hypertension, head injury, monoamine oxidase inhibitors are taken with tyramine-containing foods, pheochromocytoma, preeclampsia, eclampsia, rebound hypertension, recreational drug use, renovascular hypertension
Cocaine, amphetamines, PCP, LCD, leads to seizures, stroke, MI, or encephalopathy
hypertensive emergency
Organ injury!!
SBP >180mmHg and/or DBP >120mmHg
Target organ damage
Requires hospitalization
Very severe problems can result if prompt recognition and treatment is not obtained
Encephalopathy, intracranial or subarachnoid hemorrhage, HF, MI, renal failure dissecting aortic aneurysm or retinopathy
BUN and HTN
Hypertension is one of the leading causes of chronic kidney disease
Some degree of renal disease is usually present even with mild hypertension
Used to screen for renal involvement and provide baseline information about kidney function
6-24
serum creatinine
Used to screen for renal involvement and provide baseline information about kidney function
Clearance reflects the GFR; decreases in creatinine clearance indicate renal insufficiency
male: 0.74-1.35; female: 0.59-1.04
target organ damage
Impairment of major body organs due to elevated blood pressure
Increased creatinine, increased BUN
Target organ diseases occur most frequently in
Heart
CAD, atherosclerosis
Left ventricular hypertrophy
Heart failure
Brain: CVD
TIA/stroke, atherosclerosis
Hypertensive encephalopathy, changes in autoregulation
PAD
thickening of artery wall, involves progressive narrowing and degeneration of arteries of upper and lower extremities, related to other cardiovascular disease, higher risk of mortality, CVD mortality, major coronary events and stroke
Risk factors: age, obesity, smoking, DM, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, family history
Atherosclerosis is leading cause in majority of cases
Assessment: past health history (diabetes, smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, loss of hair on legs, decreased peripheral pulses, intermittent claudication, HISTORY AND PHYSICAL
Acute arterial ischemia: sudden interruption of arterial blood flow caused by embolism, thrombus-requires immediate intervention
venous diseases
primarily effect lower extremities and are categorized as thrombus or chronic venous insufficiency
Lot of exudate (turns skin a bronzy color, RBCs stain the skin)
Treatment for venous ulcers is compression!
Never want to compress an arterial ulceration (bc it would cut off circulation and end up with amputation)
arterial disease manifestations
rubor/pallor
skin is thin/dry, cool
no edema
ulcers drain minimally
nails are thick and brittle
weak pulse
paresthesia
venous disease manifestations
skin bronze-brown, thick, hard, warm
edema: engorged with sluggish blood flow, drainage moderate to large amount
painful (elevation relieves pain)
pulse: normal
PAD nursing care
Diet (low fat, lots of fruits and veggies, grains)
Medications (blood pressure, cholesterol, statins)
Reduce CVD risk factors, smoking cessation, control diabetes and hypertension
Exercise!! Walking is most commonly prescribed
ankle-brachial index
#1 way to determine PVD: ankle-brachial index
PAD screening tool that is done by using hand-held doppler
ABI is calculated by dividing the ankle systolic BP by the higher of the left and right brachial SBPs
post femoral-popliteal bypass graft surgery
Acute Intervention:
Frequent monitoring after surgery
Administer IV fluids to keep the BP WNL, [adequate], to balance risk for occlusion with risk for stress on graft
Assess 6 P’s, distal to operative site – initially hourly
NOTE: Make take several hours to see significant improvement. Time is needed for improvement after surgery. Assess patient’s baseline (pre-surgery) 6 P’s to determine improvement. May look discolored, cool. Check baseline!!!!!
Position to avoid knee-flexion except with exercise
Turn and position frequently
six P’s
Paresthesia: numbness and tingling
Pain: severe, unrelieved by pain relief measures
Poikilothermic (adaptation of the limb to environmental temp – most often cool)
Pallor: coolness and loss of normal color of extremity
Paralysis: loss of function
Pulselessness: diminished/absent peripheral pulses (capillary refill norm = < 2 seconds)
post-op risks for abdominal aneurysm repair
EVAR is less invasive
Most common complication is endoleak, seepage of blood back into old aneurysm
Aneurysm growth above rupture, aortic dissection, bleeding, renal artery occlusion from stent migration, incisional infection
Intraabdominal hypertension
abdominal aortic aneurysm (triple A)
most common
They don’t know they have it, can palpate it during assessment
Back pain, stomach pain
If ruptured and bleeds into peritoneal, will bleed to death
aneurysm assessment
Deep diffuse chest pain
Signs of rupture: Diaphoresis, paleness, weakness, tachycardia, hypotension, abdominal/back/groin pain, flank ecchymosis (Grey Turner’s sign) or periumbilical pain; changes in level of consciousness, or a pulsatile abdominal mass (abdominal tenderness)
History and physical exam
Watch for signs of cardiac, pulmonary, cerebral, and lower extremity vascular problems
Establish baseline data to compare postoperatively
Provide emotional support and preop teaching
Schedule preop visit to ICU if possible
Post op routine: monitor graft, aseptic technique to change dressing
Perform neurovascular checks every hour!! Check baseline data
Infarct bowel; lack of bowel sounds, fever, abdominal distention, diarrhea, bloody stools
Mark pulse locations with felt-tip pen; May need Doppler
Note skin temperature & color, capillary refill time, sensation, & movement
aneurysm guidelines
Goal: Prevent aneurysm rupture
Correct any obstructions
Small aneurysm (4 -5.4 cm) – conservative therapy (decrease lipids & b/p, stop smoking, surveillance every 6-12 mos). Use of statins, ACE inhibitors. Less than 4 cm-surveillance every 3 years.
5.5 cm or greater– surgical repair recommended (plus other considerations such as genetic disorder, expands rapidly, symptomatic, or risk for rupture high)
aneurysm and BP
systolic: less than 120mmHg
diastolic: less than 80mmHg
TNM
T: tumor size and invasiveness
N: presence or absence of regional spread to the lymph nodes
M: metastasis to distant organ sites