Effect of Nursing-directed Protocol on the Occurance of Hypoglycemic Episodes among Patients at Medical Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Background: Hypoglycemia is a well-recognized complication among patients with type 1 diabetes, and it is the most common diabetes-related emergency. It is a complication of diabetes that cannot be ignored because it will increase morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. thus, coordinated nursing care of the hypoglycemia patient results in improved outcomes, decreased lengths of hospital stay and minimize complications. The aim of the study: - Evaluate the effect of nursing-directed protocol on the occurance of hypoglycemic episodes among patients at Medical Intensive Care Unit. Study design: - Quasi-experimental research design . Study setting: This study was conducted at Medical Intensive Care Unit of Tanta Main University Hospital. Study subjects: Purposive sampling of 60 adult patients with hypoglycemia and meeting all inclusion criteria, were divided into two equal groups; each group consisted of 30 patients. Tools of data collection: - Three tools were used . Tool (I): Patients Structured Assessment Tool; Socio-demographic data of the patients, Patient`s Clinical Data. Tool (II): Blood Glucose Measurements Flow Sheet tool. Tool (III): Monitoring of Hypoglycemic manifestation and its complications among critically ill Patients. Result : The main results revealed a significant improvement in relation to vital signs, level of consciousness, blood glucose measurements among study group. Statically significant difference was observed related to hypoglycemic manifestation and complication among the control and study group with P<0.05. conclusion : the nursing-directed protocol had positive effect on decreasing hypoglycemic episode by improving blood glucose level, reducing hypoglycemic manifestations and complications. Recommendation : Replication of the same study on larger probability sample at different geographical locations for data generalizability.