Recognizing and responding to hyperglycaemic emergencies.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) are both diabetic emergencies associated with hyperglycaemia and can be fatal if healthcare professionals fail to recognize and intervene appropriately. While many students and qualified nurses may be able to recall common signs and symptoms related to DKA and HHS - for example polyuria, polydipsia and elevated blood sugars - understanding the physiological mechanisms behind abnormal observations and restoring homeostasis through appropriate management is far more complex. Health educators can play a significant role in contextualizing difficult concepts, such as DKA and HHS, so that these complex conditions can be recognized with greater confidence and competence in clinical practice.
Kisiel
Maria
M
Critical Care, Birmingham City, Univeristy, Birmingham, UK.
Marsons
Lorraine
L
D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D003244:Consciousness Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D003681:Dehydration / Q000209:etiology; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000150:complications; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications; D016883:Diabetic Ketoacidosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D004630:Emergencies / Q000451:nursing; D016529:Emergency Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods*; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D006944:Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Nonketotic Coma / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D007328:Insulin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods; D011188:Potassium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012307:Risk Factors; D014883:Water-Electrolyte Imbalance / Q000209:etiology
D001786:Blood Glucose; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin; D011188:Potassium