This is a procedure in which blood sample is obtained and tested to estimate the amount of glucose in the child's blood. It is termed hypoglycaemia when the glucose level is low and hyperglycaemia when the glucose level is high. The nurse should observe for obvious and subtle signs of hypoglycaemia in the absence of a glucose monitoring apparatus (glucometer). Manage the child for hypoglycaemia per hospital protocol.
Aims
· Identify hypoglycaemia/hyperglycaemia
· Manage hypoglycaemia/hyperglycaemia before it becomes an emergency
· Assess how food and exercise affect the child’s blood sugar level
· Rule out childhood diabetes
Requirements
· Glucometer and strips
· Lancet/hypodermic needle
· IV fluids (10% dextrose, normal saline)
· Insulin
· Syringe and needle
· IV cannula and plain giving set
· Sterile/alcohol swabs
· Tourniquet
· Receiver
· Disposable gloves
· Adhesive tape
· Glucose monitoring chart (manual or electronic)
Steps
1. Introduce self to child and caregiver
2. Explain procedure (Refer to steps)
3. Perform hand hygiene
4. Provide privacy
5. Position child appropriately and make him/her comfortable
6. Wear disposable glove
7. Insert strip into glucometer, ensure functionality and strip code match
8. Clean fingertip/heel with a dry swab.
9. Prick fingertip/heel with lancet/hypodermic needle
10. Squeeze the pricked part and apply blood sample on to the strip
11. Apply pressure to pricked site and secure with adhesive tape
12. Read results on the glucometer
13. Obtain IV access if intervention is required
14. Manage hypoglycaemia with 10% Dextrose bolus per hospital protocol
15. Manage hyperglycaemia with IV normal saline and insulin as prescribed
16. Clean device and return to safe storage
17. Remove gloves, discard and perform hand hygiene
18. Document procedure and observations on the glucose monitoring chart (manual or electronic)
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