1. How did the scenario make you feel? I was very comfortable with this scenario. I have
encountered hypoglycemia before, so I felt confident in how to
... [Show More] effectively care for the
patient.
2. What management options would have been appropriate if Skyler Hansen had been alert
and could swallow? If Skyler had been alert and able to swallow, he could have been given
a snack consisting of carbohydrates and protein to raise his blood glucose rather than IV
dextrose.
3. If Skyler Hansen’s acute hypoglycemic episode had not have been treated immediately, what
could have happened? If Skyler’s acute hypoglycemia is left untreated convulsions, seizure,
intense nightmares whilst asleep, loss of consciousness, coma and even death could occur
as a result.
4. If too much glucose were administered to Skyler Hansen while the health care team was
trying to correct his blood glucose level, what could occur? If too much glucose was
administered while treating his hypoglycemia, he could have become hyperglycemic.
Symptoms of hyperglycemia include fatigue, blurred vision, dry mouth, polyuria,
polyphagia, and polydipsia.
5. What key elements would you include in the handoff report for this patient? Consider the
SBAR (situation, background, assessment, recommendation) format.
The patient is Skyler Hansen, 18-year-old male who was recently diagnosed with type I
diabetes. He was playing basketball when he reported feeling lightheaded. He has not
eaten for over 5 hours. The patient is drowsy, wakes with stimulus, has slurred speech, is
diaphoretic, and is acting irrationally. His blood glucose was 40 mg/dL, his SpO2 dropped
to 81% and he lost consciousness. He was given 1 amp (50mL) of D50W IV, carbs and
proteins orally, and placed on 100% oxygen. This brought his glucose level to 178 mg/dL
and oxygen up to 93%. His most recent vitals are stable at HR 86, 123/74 mm Hg, RR 12,
SpO2 96%, and 99°F. Continue to monitor for hyperglycemia.
6. Describe age-appropriate patient teaching for Skyler Hansen and resources that may be
helpful to him. A short informational video or an interactive program that teaches him the
importance of maintaining a healthy diet, proper use of insulin, as well as the signs and
symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.
7. Discuss confidentiality and legal empowerment of 18-year-old patientssuch as in Skyler
Hansen’s case. As an 18-year-old, the patient is legally an adult, and is fully capable of [Show Less]