What to do when a patient's blood sugar level is 90 mg/dL before therapy

Navigating Blood Sugar Levels in Geriatric Physical Therapy: What to Do When the Number Hits 90

When you're working with aging patients in a physical therapy setting, every detail matters—even the numbers that flash on a glucose meter. Picture this: You're about to kick off a session with a patient, and you notice their blood sugar level is 90 mg/dL. What do you do? It might not seem like a big deal to some, but when it comes to geriatric care, that number can hold more weight than you’d expect.

The Why Behind Blood Sugar Levels

So, here’s the deal— blood sugar levels can significantly impact a patient’s ability to safely engage in physical activity. A reading of 90 mg/dL typically falls within the normal range for the average person. However, for some individuals, especially those with diabetes or who are on medications affecting glucose levels, it could be a little lower than ideal, especially if they haven't eaten recently.

Think about it: your patient's body is like a finely tuned engine—if it doesn't have enough fuel, it’s going to sputter, or worse, stall out completely. In this case, "fuel" comes in the form of glucose.

Options on the Table

Faced with a blood sugar reading of 90, you might find yourself weighing various options:

• A. Hold the session.

• B. Have the patient ingest 15 grams of carbohydrate prior to starting.

• C. Cancel the session.

• D. Wait to check again before proceeding.

Now, let's unpack these choices. Holding the session or canceling might seem like the safe bet, but that’s not always the best way to go, especially when there's a workaround.

Option B—having the patient ingest 15 grams of carbohydrate—stands out as the most proactive choice. It's like putting a little gas in the tank before revving the engine. A small amount of carbs can serve as a buffer, helping to stabilize blood sugar levels during the demands of physical activity. Imagine your patient rolling through their exercises with a focused mind, not distracted by worrying about their energy levels.

Why Carbs Matter in Therapy Sessions

You know what? It’s pretty fascinating how a simple 15 grams of carbohydrates can make all the difference. Why? Because exercise naturally drives glucose out of the bloodstream and into the muscles for energy. When a session involves even moderate exertion, that demand can be heightened. And for our geriatric patients, this can translate to potential hypoglycemic symptoms, even when they start from what seems like a safe level.

Let’s think about the consequences here. If the patient is already teetering on the edge of low blood sugar and pushes through a session, they might experience weakness, shakiness, or even dizziness. Not exactly the ideal scenario!

Understanding Your Patient’s Unique Needs

As healthcare providers, it’s essential to recognize every patient as a unique individual with specific needs that may not always align with the general norms we’ve learned. Are they managing diabetes? Have they eaten recently? How active are they outside of therapy? Taking a holistic view of their health, including diet and activity level, can significantly impact how you manage their treatment.

What can make this even trickier is when patients are unaware of their own bodies and how they respond to dietary changes or exercise. They might brush away that feeling of hunger or fatigue as mere tiredness rather than a red flag. It’s our responsibility to educate them on the ins and outs of their health.

An Example in Action

Let's say that before starting therapy, you educate your patient on the importance of carbs in relation to their blood sugar levels. You suggest a small snack—something like a piece of fruit or a small granola bar. Once they consume that, you can confidently proceed with the session while keeping an eye on how they feel, ensuring they’re not just physically ready, but mentally prepared as well.

Moreover, it’s also essential to repeat this process consistently. Make it a routine to check in with your patient about their dietary habits and activity levels. Over time, they’ll start to connect the dots between what they eat, how they feel, and how well they perform during therapy.

Wrapping It Up

In the end, navigating blood sugar uncertainty is all about communication, education, and adaptability. The question of what to do when a patient's blood sugar hits 90 is not just a matter of ticking boxes—it’s about creating an environment where patients feel safe and empowered. By providing simple, yet effective measures like consuming a small amount of carbohydrates, you establish a foundation for safe and productive therapy sessions.

So, next time you find yourself staring at that number on the glucose meter, remember that taking the time to assess and respond appropriately can foster not just better physical outcomes, but deeper trust and communication between you and your patients. It’s these very details that weave together the fabric of excellent care, particularly in the intricacies of geriatric physical therapy.