While it is the responsibility of a doctor to prescribe medications for nursing home patients, the daily task of administering the medication falls squarely on the shoulders of the nursing home staff. Nursing home staff have a duty to both administer the proper medication– at the interval prescribed— to each patient. Not surprisingly when patients… Continue Reading
Tag Archives: hypoglycemia
Little Known Ways to Prevent Hypoglycemia Using Fitness Exercises
Posted in Diabetic KetoacidosisRegulation of glucose levels is a crucial part of caring for many nursing home patients. In addition to diet, exercise can also help in regulating blood sugar. Here are some great tips from Su Rollins. Thanks Su! What effect does exercise have on glucose levels? When exercising, muscles use glucose for energy. At first, the… Continue Reading
Nursing Homes Not Prepared To Handle Diabetic Residents
Posted in National Nursing Home IssuesThe Washington Post had an article on the growing diabetic population in nursing homes. Despite the fact that up to 25% of nursing home residents have diabetes, a study published in Diabetes Care determined many diabetic nursing home residents are not getting appropriate care according to the standards proposed by the American Diabetic Association. The study… Continue Reading
Never Event #3: Poorly Controlled Blood Sugar, Hyperglycemia & Hypoglycemia
Posted in Medical MalpracticeMedicare has determined that complications associated with poorly controlled blood sugar should be included on the ‘never list‘ as they are so easily avoidable that the costs of the treatment should not be permitted to be submitted to CMS for reimbursement. In 2007, there were 14,929 reported cases of poorly controlled blood sugar amongst diabetics… Continue Reading
Insulin Overdose Kills Nursing Home Resident
Posted in Medication ErrorsA nursing home resident in England died after receiving 5 times the normal dosage by a nurse at the nursing home where she resided. The woman who had Parkinson’s was unable to communicate her physical needs or her insulin dosage to the nursing home employees. An insulin overdose results in low blood sugar levels, or… Continue Reading