Diabetis as 6th vital signs

[RNLULULABAMBA]

Hi nurses,

I went to a med/surg review class last week and I learnt that DM is the #6 V/S. Has anyone ever heard of this before.

[smk1, LPN]

I could see adding CBG as 6-7th vital sign. I know if i found a change in LOC in a patient I would want to check CBG even if the patient wasn't a known diabetic.

[StacieRN, RN]

I agree with posters that say O2 sat is viable 6th VS. I really don't see pain as a VS and I don't think any invasive tests can be considered a VS. VSs are quick and dirty checks to get a baseline functioning.

[smk1, LPN]

HMMM, If we did call CBG testing a vital sign would that mean that we were going to stick patients 2-3 times per shift when we have all of the other scheduled vitals done? We couldn't use the excuse that teh patient is not diabetic nor is he/she showing signs/symptoms of hypo/hyperglycemia because we don't use that same rationale on patients who do not have lung problems. We still check o2 sats and respirations on those patients. I would however, always check CBG in a patient who has a change in LOC or is found unresponsive whether they are a diagnosed diabetic or not. But this would be judgement based and doesn't really need a blanket vital sign protocol.