1. Review the endocrine functions of the pancreas in the workbook.

• a. Describe the location of the pancreas.
• b. Describe the exocrine and endocrine functions of the pancreas.
• c. Identify the cells that produce glucagon and insulin.
• d. Define the action of pancreatic hormones to include glucagon and insulin.
• e. Discuss the regulation of blood glucose to include the negative feedback control of glucagon and insulin.

2. Review acid-base balance in your workbook and the case study.

• a. Define normal blood pH.
• b. Describe the pH scale. Define numbers on the scale that correlate to a negative pH, acidic pH, and alkaline pH.
• c.  Define a normal blood pH
• d. Define diabetic ketoacidosis. Discuss what leads to this condition in individuals with type 1 diabetes. Define the laboratory tests useful in diagnosing DKA.
• e. List three key diagnostic values obtained from an arterial blood gas.

3. Define the following medical terms: Organomegaly, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, insulin, hypertension, and hypotension.

 

4. From the case study, review diabetes mellitus to include:

• a. Define diabetes mellitus. Explain the difference between Type I and Type II diabetes. Describe the differences in treatment.
• b. Describe symptoms in untreated diabetes mellitus.
• c. Define the tests used in diagnosing diabetes mellitus.
• d. Discuss the possible complications of diabetes mellitus.

5. Define hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia as they pertain to type 1 diabetes.

• a. Contrast the different symptoms in hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.
• b.  List conditions under which an individual with diabetes may become hyperglycemic.
• c. List conditions under which an individual with diabetes may become hypoglycemic.
• d. Compare possible complications of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.

6. Review the diagnostic testing in the case.

• a. Define the single laboratory test that is the most useful in diagnosing a patient with diabetes mellitus.
• b. Describe the purpose of a chemistry screen.
• c. Name the electrolytes. List disease states that may cause each to be abnormal.
• d. List 2 chemical tests indicative of kidney function.
• e. List the chemistry results that may be abnormal in a patient in DKA.  Describe why these tests are abnormal.
• f. List the urine laboratory tests that are useful in diagnosing diabetes mellitus.
• g. Define the forces that cause blood pressure. Define systolic and diastolic blood pressure. List risks of hypertension.
• h. Define critical values measured with an arterial blood gas (ABG) and describe their relevance to a patient in DKA.

7. Review the health care professionals involved in this case.

• a. Describe why the services of a dietician are important to a diabetic patient.
• b. Summarize the diagnostic tests that would help a pediatrician diagnose a patient with diabetic symptoms.
• c. Explain the role of a respiratory therapist in detecting an acid base imbalance.
• d. Describe the types of patients an endocrinologist would treat.
• e. Describe the role social workers play in a medical setting.
• f. List areas in which a clinical nurse specialist may function.
• g. Describe ways the health care professionals in this case are dependent upon each other in treating a patient with diabetes.