title: Impact of intravenous insulin protocols on hypoglycemia, patient safety, and nursing workload.
abstract: The practice of tight glycemic control using an intravenous insulin infusion has been adopted in many clinical settings, and although beneficial patient outcomes have been clearly documented, the therapy poses potential risks to patient safety related to hypoglycemia and increases nursing workload. This article examines these issues through a review of current research on tight glycemic protocols. Strategies for nurse leaders are provided to improve patient safety and support bedside nurses in the administration of insulin infusion protocols.
authors.affiliation: Wake Technical Community College and a staff nurse at WakeMed Hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: Penny
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sauer
authors.forename: Elizabeth R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Van Horn
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003422:Critical Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D016903:Drug Monitoring / Q000451:nursing; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D006801:Humans; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing*; D007328:Insulin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D007857:Leadership; D009718:Nurse Administrators / Q000458:organization & administration; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015399:Nursing Research; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D012107:Research Design; D017751:Safety Management / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013996:Time and Motion Studies; D016526:Workload / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
chemical_list: D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin