XIX Glossary

15-15 Rule: A rule in an agency’s hypoglycemia protocols that includes providing 15 grams of carbohydrate, and then repeating the blood glucose reading in 15 minutes, and then repeating as needed until the patient’s blood glucose reading is above 70.

Hyperglycemia: Elevated blood glucose reading with associated signs and symptoms such as frequent urination and increased thirst.

Hypoglycemia: A blood glucose reading less than 70 associated with symptoms such as irritability, shakiness, hunger, weakness, or confusion. If not rapidly treated, hypoglycemia can cause seizures and a coma.

Ketoacidosis: A life-threatening complication of hyperglycemia that can occur in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus that is associated with symptoms such as fruity-smelling breath, nausea, vomiting, severe thirst, and shortness of breath.

Oropharynx: The part of the throat at the back of the mouth behind the oral cavity. It includes the back third of the tongue, the soft palate, the side and back walls of the throat, and the tonsils.

Standardized sliding-scale insulin protocol: Standardized instructions for administration of adjustable insulin dosages based on a patient’s premeal blood glucose readings.