Fundamentals of Professional Nursing
Study Guide for Exam 2
This is a brief overview of the concepts we have studied so far in this
course. The exam will mainly cover the topics from Modules 4, 5, and 6,
and there may be a sprinkle of content from the material from exam 1
which is considered review.
Highlights of the content we have covered in Modules 4, 5, & 6:
Glucose regulation
Know normal ranges for blood glucose
Hypoglycemia: under 70 mg/dL
Normal: 70-140mg/dL
Hyperglycemia: over 140 mg/dL
Review the role of glucagon, glycogen, cortisol, ketones,
and insulin
1. Glucagon – Helps increase blood glucose (blood
sugar) during hypoglycemia. Produced by alpha
cells in the islets of Langerhans. When released it
stimulates liver to breakdown glycogen to be
released into the blood as glucose.
2. Glycogen –The stored form of glucose. Stored
mainly in the liver and the muscles. Triggered by
Glucagon to be released and broken down into
glucose for body to use.
3. Ketones – are an acid left over when the body
burns its own fat for energy when it cannot obtain
glucose from the blood.
, 4. Insulin – Hormone that helps lower blood
glucose. Created within the Pancreas from Beta
Cells. Type 1 Diabetics use Insulin ALWAYS;
Type 2 may need it if their body doesn’t make
enough insulin.
Review the effects of steroid use and infection for the
diabetic client
1. Steroids (such as prednisone) can increase glucose
levels in patients with diabetes as well as those
with impaired glucose tolerance or pre-diabetics.
Prednisone elevates blood glucose levels by
stimulating glucose secretion by the liver leading
to glucose toxicity and impairing insulin
secretion. Prednisone also affects the immune
system by suppressing it (anti-inflammatory)
making the diabetic more susceptible to infection
and illness. You want to taper off prednisone
gradually, not immediately. Use only for short
periods of time.
Know the signs and symptoms of Hypoglycemia and
Hyperglycemia
o Review nursing interventions for both
Hypoglycemia
Irritability, fatigue, confusion,
unconsciousness, slurred speech, hungry,
shaky, weak, dizzy, sweaty, inattentive.
Blood Glucose Level 70 or less
Hyperglycemia
, “Poly-Sisters” (Polyuria, Polyphagia,
Polydipsia)
Not enough glucose reaching the cells,
and staying in the blood instead.
Sweet breath, hungry, thirsty, excessive
urine, N/V, weight loss, stomach pain,
dry mouth.
Blood Glucose Level 140 or above
o Review long-term consequences of hyperglycemia
Retinopathy (blindness)
Nephropathy (ESRD)
Peripheral Neuropathy (tissue death, poor
feeling in extremities)
PVD, CVD
Hypertension
o Review consequences of untreated hypoglycemia
Cellular death
Seizures
Unconsciousness
Review the differences between type 1 and 2 diabetes
o Type 1 Diabetes
Insulin dependent. Body no longer produces
insulin so you need to obtain it from external
sources (injection).
o Type 2 Diabetes
Insulin not always needed. Can manage by
modifying diet (low sodium/DASH diet/carb
restriction) and including exercise.
Review common diagnostic tests, particularly Hgb A1C
and significance
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