Need help understanding an insulin drip

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Can anyone explain WHY we give D10W with an insulin drip? I am trying to understand the relationship and the pathophysiology of this. Thanks!:nurse:

Specializes in ICU.

Nobody told me there would be math involved! :yeah:

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Specializes in CTICU.

And to think I hated math at one point. :lol2:

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Specializes in TNCC, PALS, NRP, ACLS, BLS-Instructor.

Our hospital puts our insulin drips mixed in pharmacy, but in D5 not D10......and it gets titrated each hour based on hourly glucose checks.....

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Specializes in Interventional Radiology.
can anyone explain why we give d10w with an insulin drip? i am trying to understand the relationship and the pathophysiology of this. thanks!:nurse:

aside from the issue of hypoglycemia or hyperkaylemia...they might also be treating a dehydration....d10 will pull h20 into the cell...but @ 30 ml/hr...not too quickly which is a good thing....however, without more info- we can only guess :)

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Specializes in ICU/CCU.
How are their Potassium levels? I know that an insulin drip running with D10W into the same pt. is often a treatment for hyperkalemia. Any chance they would be using the insulin drip for that?

!Chris :specs:

Typically, for the hyperkalemia "cocktail" you would give 1 amp of D50+5-10 units of regular insulin+Calcium Gluconate+1 amp Sodium Bicarb.

Or you can give D10W (1000mL)+3 amps NaHCO3+20 units of regular insulin at 75mL/Hr.

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Specializes in Critical care (coronary care).

I think you must write more about patient history.

DKA, hyperglycemia, hyperkalemia and even major surgery need insulin therapy plus dexteros.

If you want accurate answer, write down more detail history.

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What are the side effects with IV insulin usage? One of my pt. came from the ICU today with an insulin drip which was DC on my floor, and she was running D5NS afterwards. I asked my preceptor and he said besides hypoglycemia, IV insulin can also possibly cause cerebral edema? I've never used done before and. Ant find much resources on the Internet. Thanks!

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Specializes in ICU/CCU.

Cerebral edema is a phenomenon often found in peds patients during the discovery of there type 2 diabetes. Often times they will discover they have DM due to a DKA episode. Very rarely will it occur in adults. S/s to watch for are: increased lethargy and diminished arousability, incontinence, or complaints of headache, etc.

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