Hi everyone! I'm a new nurse working on a Post-Transplant/Surgical unit (kidneys and pancreases only). I'm curious about insulin gtts. A few weeks ago I had a patient on an insulin drip--hx: infected abdominal wound, new colostomy, history of DM type 2, NPO status, receiving TPN. And yesterday my co-worker was caring for a kidney rejection patient (I think?) who was on an insulin drip, not sure what else was going on.
Why do we use insulin drips? I know its obvious: to obtain tighter glycemic control. But why do we use insulin drips versus other methods? I've been doing research--insulin drips work faster for patients with DKA. But why are patients on insulin drips for long periods of time, even after BG's are under control and no ketones? Does NPO status have anything to do with it? And if so, why? I just don't fully understand the benefits of insulin drips.
If anyone could shed some light on this, I'd appreciate it. I'm very interested in endocrine nursing. Thanks :)