Case Study

Hypoglycemia

Patient Profile
After running in her first half-marathon, F.W., a 24-year-old woman with type 1
diabetes,
was brought to the first aid tent provided for participants in a charity run. She is well
maintained on a regimen of self-monitoring of blood glucose, intensive insulin
therapy, and
diet.

Subjective Data
• States that she feels cold and has a headache; her fingers feel numb
• She took her usual insulin dose this morning but did not eat her entire breakfast
because of fear of nausea when she ran and a lack of time
• Completed the half-marathon faster than her practice times

Objective Data
• Has slurred speech and unsteady gait
• HR: 120 bpm
• Appears confused
• Capillary blood glucose level: 48 mg/dL (2.7 mmol/L)

Answer the following questions 50 points

1. Describe what F.W. could have done to prevent this hypoglycemic event.
2. How would you expect to treat F.W.’s hypoglycemia?
3. Patient-Centered Care: What are the priority teaching needs for this patient once
her
condition has stabilized?
4. What adjustments in her diabetes regimen could F.W. make to allow her to
continue
with her exercise habits?
5. Priority Decision: Based on the assessment data presented, what are the priority
nursing diagnoses? Are there any collaborative problems?