whats a Sliding scale?

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Oct 5, 2003

It is a predetermined (usually by the MD) scale set for the pt. as a guide on how much insulin to give them for a blood glucose number that is high.

example:

150-200 2U

201-250 4U

and so on

So if Pt. X's BS was 162, this pt. would receive 2 units of insulin according to the sliding scale. There is a scale for each pt. to be followed.

neneRN, BSN, RN · Oct 5, 2003

Also, ONLY regular insulin is used with a sliding scale, non of the other ones.

Born2BAnurse · Oct 5, 2003

thanks You GUYS!!

Brita01 · Oct 5, 2003

Humalog insulin is also used in the sliding scale. But not as much as Regular insulin.

NICU_Nurse, BSN, RN · Oct 6, 2003

In the NICU, we will sometimes see sliding scales for other meds, like potassium (if the level comes back between such and such, give this many; if it comes back lower, give this many, higher give this many, etc.).

RN~in~CT · Oct 6, 2003

Heparin and insulin gtts can be on a sliding scale.