About Insulin
• In the pancreas’s islets of Langerhans, beta cells secrete insulin-the islet-cell hormone of major physiological importance;
• Without sufficient insulin, the body develops diabetes mellitus.
• Exploration of a number of new delivery systems for insulin is ongoing.
• Implanted insulin delivery systems, in combination with a glucose sensor may create an “artificial pancreas.”
• Exercise increases the body’s metabolic rate to result in a decrease in blood sugar and an increase in insulin sensitivity. Signs of hypoglycemia often occur.
• Illness can disrupt metabolic control and raise blood sugar, which results in an increased need for insulin.
• Insulin-dependent clients should be well controlled for at least one week prior to any surgery.
• Special care for any client with either type of diabetes mellitus should be taken to monitor blood glucose during and after surgery and adjust insulin accordingly.
About the Thyroid
• Following neck surgery, potentially life-threatening complications such as laryngeal edema and tracheal obstruction can occur. Monitor for respiratory distress.
• Following thyroid surgery, many clients suffer transient hypocalcemia from hyporfunction or removal of the parathyroids. Monitor for signs of tetany for up to three days after surgery.
About the Parathyroid
• Positive Chvostek’s sign: contraction of facial muscle near mouth occurs when light tap is given over facial nerve in front of ear.
• Positive Trousseau’s sign: carpopedal spasm results during the deflation of a blood pressure cuff that has been inflated for at least one minute
