What is a key nursing intervention for a patient with diabetes undergoing surgery?

Maintaining proper blood glucose levels before, during, and after the procedure is a crucial nursing intervention for a patient with diabetes undergoing surgery. This is essential because patients with diabetes are at an increased risk for both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, especially in the perioperative phase. Uncontrolled blood glucose levels can lead to various complications, including increased infection risk, delayed wound healing, and the potential for cardiovascular issues during surgery.

By ensuring blood glucose levels are well-managed throughout the surgical experience, nurses help to minimize these risks and promote better overall outcomes for the patient. This involves closely monitoring blood glucose levels, adjusting insulin and other diabetic medications as needed, and collaborating with the surgical team to align the patient’s dietary and medication regimen with the surgical schedule.

Other options present less effective or inappropriate strategies. For instance, administering insulin only post-operatively does not address the immediate need for glucose control during the surgery itself, which can lead to complications. Increasing dietary carbohydrates before surgery is typically not advisable as it may lead to elevated blood glucose levels. Lastly, monitoring blood glucose levels only after surgery neglects the critical need for vigilance during preoperative and intraoperative phases, where fluctuations in glucose can occur.