Nursing Care Plan Case Study: Diabetic Foot Ulcer and Sepsis

These vocabulary flashcards cover the medical terminology, pharmacological details, and physiological concepts discussed in the Chapter 1 through Chapter 8 nursing case study transcript.

HPI (History of Present Illness)

The part of the care plan based on the disease process or injury rather than the specific patient.

IDDM

Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus; a condition where the pancreas produces no insulin, requiring lifelong insulin therapy.

Lantus

A long-acting insulin typically administered once per day (e.g., $30$ units at night).

NovoLog (Lispro/Aspart)

A fast-acting insulin used for meal coverage; it typically onsets in $30$ minutes, peaks at $2$ hours, and lasts for $4$ hours.

Sliding Scale

A method of insulin dosing based on a patient's Accu Chek; usually starts at $150\,mg/dL$ and increases in $50$ unit increments.

ProAir (Albuterol)

A beta-$1$ and beta-$2$ agonist inhaler that relaxes and dilates airways but can cause tachycardia.

Neurontin (Gabapentin)

A medication used for neuropathic pain (paresthesia) and seizures.

Plantar

The under surface or sole of the foot.

Paresthesia

A burning or pins-and-needles sensation often associated with neuropathic pain.

Leukocytosis

An elevated white blood cell count; in this case study, it was recorded as nearly $20$, indicating infection.

A1C

A blood test that measures glycemic control (average blood sugar) over the past three months; the target for diabetics is generally under $6.5$.

CRP (C-Reactive Protein)

An inflammatory marker in the blood used to detect systemic inflammation.

Creatinine

A marker of muscle breakdown and kidney function; the normal range is approximately $0.6$ to $1.2$, and this patient's value was $3.3$.

BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen)

A measure of protein breakdown in the body used to assess kidney health.

Anion Gap

A calculated value ($\text{Sodium} - \text{Chloride} - \text{Bicarbonate}$) where a result above $15$ typically indicates metabolic acidosis.

Osteomyelitis

A bone infection that is often difficult to treat and manage.

DFU

Diabetic Foot Ulcer; in this case, it was a grade $4$, full-thickness, and necrotic wound.

Aminoglycosides

A class of powerful antibiotics, such as Vancomycin, that are known to be not kidney-friendly and require peak and trough level monitoring.

Peak and Trough

Laboratory levels measured to adjust the dosing of certain drugs (like Vancomycin) based on pharmacy oversight and kidney function.

Alpha Cells

Cells in the pancreas that produce glucagon, which increases blood sugar levels.

Beta Cells

Cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, which decreases blood sugar levels.

Delta Cells

Cells in the pancreas that produce somatostatin, a growth hormone analog that negates the actions of alpha and beta cells.

Cortisol

A glucocorticoid and stress hormone made by the adrenal cortex that aids in gluconeogenesis during fight-or-flight responses.

Gluconeogenesis

The process of the body making sugars from non-carbohydrate precursors during stressful events.

Sepsis

A systemic infection response characterized by tachycardia ($\text{HR} > 90$), fever, and potential perfusion deficits.

Teach-back Method

An education validation technique where the patient explains the disease process or management back to the clinician to ensure understanding.