Title: List the common causes and symptoms of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.
Course: Medication Aide (14051-36) > Section: Administering Insulin

Listing should include

- hyperglycemia
  - causes
    - too little insulin
    - overeating or eating excessive sweets
    - lack of exercise
    - illness
    - stress
  - symptoms
    - increased thirst
    - frequent urination
    - headache
    - difficulty concentrating
    - blurred vision
    - fatigue
    - weight loss
    - blood sugar higher than 180 mg/dL
  - treatment
    - exercise
    - decrease noncomplex carbohydrates
  - causes of hypoglycemia
    - missing a meal
    - too much exercise
    - poor insulin management
- three degrees of hypoglycemia
  - mild hypoglycemia
    - symptoms
      - shakiness
      - sweating
      - fast heartbeat
      - pale skin
      - hunger
    - treatment
      - 4 ounces of juice
      - 4 ounces of regular soda
      - 2-3 glucose tablets
      - 8 ounces of skim milk
  - moderate hypoglycemia
    - symptoms
      - inability to concentrate
      - confusion
      - slurred speech
      - blurred vision
      - irrational behaviors
    - treatment
      - order of a larger amount of glucose
      - offer of treatments for mild hypoglycemia
      - wait 30 minutes before resuming normal activity
  - severe hypoglycemia
    - symptoms
      - may include all of those for mild and moderate and disoriented behavior
      - may include unconsciousness
    - treatment
      - call 911
      - turn patient on side and give glucagon
      - do not give anything by mouth until the person is fully conscious
- post-intervention
  - recheck blood sugar per facility protocol after intervention
  - report and document per facility protocol.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What is the difference between hypo- and hyperglycemia?
- What are the dangers of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia?
- When does one need glucagon?
- If a known diabetic is found unresponsive and no measuring equipment is available, should you treat for hypoglycemia or for hyperglycemia? Explain.