Diabetes Case Study
A 21-year old female (A.M.) presents to the urgent care clinic with symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and a fever for 3 days. She states that she has Type I diabetes and has not been managing her blood sugars since she’s been ill and unable to keep any food down. She’s only tolerated sips of water and juices. Since she’s also been unable to eat, she hasn’t taken any insulin as directed. While helping A.M. from the lobby to the examining room you note that she’s unsteady, her skin is warm and flushed, and that she’s drowsy. You also note that she’s breathing rapidly and smell a slight sweet/fruity odor. A.M. has a challenge answering questions but keeps asking for water to drink.
You get more information from A.M. and learn the following:
- She had some readings on her glucometer which were reading ‘high’
- She vomits almost every time she takes in fluid
- She hasn’t voided for a day but voided a great deal the day before
- She’s been sleeping long hours and finally woke up this morning and decided to seek care
Vital Sign
| Temperature | 101.3° F (tympanic) |
| Blood pressure | 88/46 mmHg |
| Heart rate | 132 beats/minute |
| Respiratory rate | 36 breaths/min, deep |
| Oxygen saturation % (SpO2) | 91% on room air |
Lab results
| Serum glucose | 657 mg/dl |
| Serum potassium | 6.2 mEq/L |
| Urine ketones | Positive |
- What is the disorder and its pathophysiology that you expect the health care provider to diagnose?
- Describe the etiology of the disorder A.M is experiencing.
- Identify and describe the clinical manifestations of the disorder A.M. is experiencing.
Instructions:
Summarize the questions above and formulate what may be happening with A.M.
Use at least one scholarly source to support your findings. Examples of scholarly sources include academic journals, textbooks, reference texts, and CINAHL nursing guides. Be sure to cite your sources in-text and on a References page using APA format.
You can find useful reference materials for this assignment in the School of Nursing guide: https://guides.rasmussen.edu/nursing/referenceebooks
Have questions about APA? Visit the online APA guide: https://guides.rasmussen.edu/apa
Case study adapted from:
Harding, M.M. & Snyder, J.S. (2015). Winningham’s critical thinking cases in nursing: Medical-surgical, pediatric, maternity, and psychiatric. Retrieved from: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/ras/detail.action?docID=2072336.
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Answer preview for Diabetes Case Study
APA
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