How to Respond to Insulin Side Effects in Children: A Nurse’s Guide

Although the child with type 1 diabetes had her prescribed insulin at 7:30 AM, the child is complaining of hunger and thirst and is drowsy at 10:30 AM. What should the nurse do first?

Give her a cup of orange juice.

As a professional tutor, it’s important to note that a child complaining of hunger, thirst, and being drowsy after being administered insulin can be a concerning situation. The nurse should consider the following steps in response:

1. Check the child’s blood glucose level: The nurse should first check the child’s blood glucose level to determine if the child is experiencing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which could be a side effect of the insulin. This can be done with a blood glucose meter.

2. Administer treatment accordingly: If the child’s blood glucose level is low, the nurse should administer treatment accordingly, which may include giving the child a snack, such as juice or crackers, to raise their blood sugar level. The nurse should also monitor the child’s condition to ensure that their blood glucose level stabilizes.

3. Monitor the child: The nurse should closely monitor the child’s condition for signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as confusion, shakiness, sweating, and dizziness. If the child does not improve, the nurse should contact the healthcare provider for further instructions.

4. Review and adjust the medication plan: The nurse should review the child’s medication plan with the healthcare provider to ensure that proper dosages and administration times are being followed. Adjustments may be necessary to prevent this from happening in the future.

Overall, the priority for the nurse is to check the child’s blood glucose level and administer immediate treatment accordingly. The nurse should monitor the child’s condition and communicate with the healthcare provider to ensure proper care is given.

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