Title: Perform procedures related to the endocrine system.
Course: Practical Nursing III (14052-III) > Section: Mastering Nursing Competencies and Skills in the Clinical Setting

Performance should include

- use of appropriate equipment and supplies
- focused assessment of client's endocrine system
  - edema
  - changes in appetite
  - changes in activity level
  - menstrual irregularities
  - weight loss or gain
  - an increase or decrease in thirst and/or urinary output
- assistance with diagnostic testing
  - glucose tolerance testing
  - blood testing
  - radioactive scans
- interpretation of lab values
- maintenance of an external insulin pump
- insulin administration and use of a sliding scale.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What steps would one follow to assess the client's endocrine system?
- How would one assist with diagnostic procedures, while assuring appropriate use of equipment and supplies?
- What are the normal values for blood glucose, HbA1c, triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4)? What does each test measure, and how does one determine when to notify the physician of abnormal findings?
- How would one maintain an external insulin pump?
- How would one use a sliding scale with insulin administration?
- How would one calculate carbohydrate intake and correlate to insulin needs?
- How would one perform a fingerstick blood glucose (BG) test?
- What factors would one assess and evaluate in interpreting lab values?
- What are critical lab values, and what is the role of the nurse in communicating these results?