Diabetes - Child on elective surgery afternoon list

Warning

Pre-op care (day prior to afternoon surgery)

  • Ensure child is first on the list
  • Inform recovery staff of child with diabetes is coming to theatre
  • Inform Anaesthetist
  • Contact parents re: possible reduction to morning dose
  • Information given to parents re: fasting time and admission time

Day of surgery

  • Child is clerked and consented by the appropriate Surgical Team
  • Insulin is prescribed by the Paediatric clinical team on call
Blood glucose on arrival:
                       mmol/l
Insulin: Normal Dose:
Dose Given:
Time last insulin dose given:
Time of last oral intake:
  • Apply EMLA cream onto 2 sites
  • Site cannula

IF Blood glucose >7mmol/l

  • Inform Paediatric clinical team
  • No need for IV fluids UNLESS blood glucose then drops <7mmol/l

IF Blood glucose <7mmol/l

  • Site cannula and commence IV fluids 5% Dextrose + 0.45% Saline.
  • If blood glucose <5mmol/l, use 10% Dextrose
  • Aim to maintain blood glucose between 7-13mmol/l but do not worry if blood glucose rises above 13mmol/l. Seek advice from Diabetes Team but DO NOT decrease rate of Dextrose infusion (if
    running) without discussion with Paediatric clinical team on call.

BLOOD GLUCOSE MONITORING SHOULD TAKE PLACE IN THEATRE AND IN THE RECOVERY AREA HALF HOURLY – USE RECORD SHEET PROVIDED 

On return to ward

  • Check blood glucose level
  • Contact Paediatric clinical team on call regarding insulin prescription doses (May require increased dose Novorapid and decreased dose Lantus or Levemir)
  • Administer insulin as prescribed
  • Allow patient to eat and drink as tolerated, ensuring that the patient receives IV fluids (Dextrose/Saline) if unable to manage oral intake
  • Appropriate care related to surgery
  • If child requires wound checks, Surgical Team on discharge please fill in referral form for community nurses

Blood glucose recording chart

Treating a hypo

HYPOGLYCAEMIA IS BLOOD GLUCOSE LESS THAN 4MMOL/L
Treating a mild to moderate “hypo”
(Patient conscious and able to swallow)

NOTE:

  1. Children who are using an insulin pump DON’T require a snack once blood sugar >4mmol/l.
  2. If you have treated for hypoglycaemia x3 continuously and blood glucose remains below 4mmol/l child will need IV dextrose bolus/ IV fluids.
  3. Do not give a correction at next meal if this will be less than 2 hours since hypo. Recheck blood glucose in an hour.
  4. If patient has their own specific management plan for treating a hypo or uses Glucotabs® or anything other than above please record below for nursing staff to follow in ward.
  5. If not tolerating oral fluids, give IV 10% Glucose 2mls /kg bolus.

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 30/04/2015

Next review date: 30/04/2023

Author(s): Stephen J.

Author email(s): graeme.eunson@nhs.scot.

Reviewer name(s): Eunson G.

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