A client diagnosed with septic shock has an upward-trending glucose level (180-225 mg/dL [10.0-12.5 mmol/L]) requiring control with insulin. The client's spouse asks why insulin is needed as the client is not a diabetic. What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

Question

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Stress-induced hyperglycemia (gluconeogenesis) can occur in hospitalized clients in relation to surgery, trauma, acute illness, and infection. Hyperglycemia (glucose level >140 mg/dL [7.8 mmol/L]) affects both diabetic and non-diabetic hospitalized clients, especially those who are critically ill. Approximately 80% of clients in the intensive care unit who develop hyperglycemia have no history of diabetes before admission. Hyperglycemia is associated with increased risk of complications (eg, health care-associated infection, increased length of stay, acute kidney injury). To minimize complications and avoid hypoglycemia, the recommended glucose target range for critically ill clients is 140-180 mg/dL [7.8-10.0 mmol/L]. For non-critically ill clients, <140 mg/dL [7.8 mmol/L] fasting and <180 mg/dL [10.0 mmol/L] random blood glucose are recommended. (Option A) Hospital hyperglycemia is not a direct cause of type II diabetes mellitus. In the non-diabetic client, the glucose level usually returns to normal after resolution of the disease process and/or discontinuation of steroid medications. A target glucose range of <140 mg/dL [7.8 mmol/L) is not recommended for this client. (Option B) The prevalence of diabetes in hospitalized clients is high (about 1 in 4) and may be an undiagnosed pre-existing condition. A normal-range glucose level (70-110 mg/dL [3.9-6.1 mmol/L]) is not the recommended target range in this client due to the risk of hypoglycemia (with aggressive control) and worse outcomes. (Option D) Although hyperglycemia does affect the ability to fight infection, 70-110 mg/dL [3.9-6.1 mmol/L] is not the recommended target range for this client. Educational objective: Stress-induced hyperglycemia causes complications in the hospitalized client. To minimize complications, the recommended target glucose range for critically ill clients is 140-180 mg/dL [7.8-10.0 mmol/L]. For non-critically ill clients, <140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) fasting and <180 mg/dL (10.0 mmol/L) random blood glucose are recommended.

A Client Diagnosed with Septic Shock Has an Upward-Trending Glucose