Dextrose 50 refers to a solution of dextrose, or glucose, dissolved in water. The solution is used as a medical treatment, and several considerations are necessary when you are administering dextrose 50 to a patient. If you are a nurse, your use of dextrose 50 can determine the patient’s outcome, consult your supervisor or an expert if you have questions or need further training.
Determining Necessity
Dextrose 50 is typically used in emergency situations to treat hypoglycemia, or abnormally low blood sugar levels. If your patient is physically capable of consuming food or beverages, the first line of treatment for hypoglycemia should be to orally consume a source of sugar, according to MayoClinic.com. Possibilities include candy, fruit, fruit juice and sugar cubes. If the patient is in a coma, intravenous administration of a sugar solution, such as dextrose 50, can be effective at increasing blood sugar to normal levels.
Patient Condition
Dextrose 50 can help restore fluids, spare liver glycogen and reduce protein breakdown by providing carbohydrates as a source of energy, according to DailyMed.gov. Along with dextrose 50, which provides sugar and fluid, your patient may need electrolytes, such as sodium. Dextrose 50 can be dangerous fro individuals who are already dehydrated, and it contains high levels of aluminum, which can cause kidney failure in infants and individuals with impaired kidney function.
Administration
After deciding on a treatment of dextrose 50 percent, use proper sterile technique to make the solution using 25 grams of dextrose in a syringe with 50 milliliters of water. An important consideration for dextrose 50 administration is central venous versus peripheral vein administration, according to DailyMed.gov. Your decision affects the rate at which you dispense the solution, and the patient’s blood sugar levels should be monitored throughout the process to be sure that they are within expected ranges.
Considerations
According to CUNY.edu, the smallest possible needle size can minimize the wound and chance for painful bruising and the development of infections. After you treat your patient with dextrose 50 to control the immediate hypoglycemic emergency, follow-up care is an important consideration to prevent future episodes, according to MayoClinic.com. For example, patients with type 2 diabetes may need an appropriate diet, exercise and medication plan to control blood sugar levels, while a patient with a pancreatic tumor may need surgery.
