NRSG140 - Essay Writing Measurement of Blood Glucose Level s (BGL) - Critical Reflection & Gibbs Reflective Cycle - Nursing Assignment Help

Assignment Task    

Measurement of Blood Glucose Level s (BGL)

Description

As a current practicing nursing student, I must undertake both theoretical and practical assessments throughout my degree to successfully become educated on the critical components of registered nursing. By ensuring clinical skills are successfully knowledgeable, it will guarantee quality practices are upheld throughout my placement and future nursing jobs. In particular, during practical class, various skills were learned; for example, assessing a patient's blood glucose levels
 
practicing these skills in practical labs, it will allow me to transfer the knowledge acquired to my future placement where I will assess and provide quality patient care. Overall, the purpose of the following assessment task is to provide a critical reflection, with reference to the Gibbs Reflective Cycle on my experience and thoughts regarding the skills taught in practical classes.
 

Feelings
 

During week 4 of practical classes, I was still quite anxious about learning new skills. In particular, conducting a BGL assessment worried me as I knew using sharps, in this case, a needle, was involved within this process. Before completing this assessment in practical classes, I had never been aware of how to take a patient's blood glucose levels. As a result, I felt very overwhelmed and anxious. I thought that a BGL assessment was quite simple in regards to pricking the patient's finger; however, I learned that there are multiple, small, critical steps involved during this procedure. Specifically, in regards to where the needle is placed, before and after
the assessment. At the end of the practical lab class, I felt more confident in practicing this assessment after discussing techniques with my tutor. With continuous practice of this skill, I will build my knowledge and understanding of how to perform this procedure effectively.

Evaluation

Conducting a BGL assessment is an essential component of diabetes care, as well as ensuring patients are managing their blood sugar levels. Blood glucose monitoring allows nurses to detect if their patient is at risk of diabetes whilst also being an essential tool in the assessment of unwell patients. Whilst potentially life- threatening diseases can also be detected regarding a patient's response to hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia blood glucose levels (RCNi, 2016). When conducting a BGL assessment, I was quite nervous and did not want to accidentally injure the patient due to using a needle during this procedure. As a result, I was unable to gather the required clear as I did not draw enough blood from the patient to cover the test strip. By learning from these mistakes and by consistently practicing and conducting BGL assessment's in my practical classes, I will become more confident with checking a patients blood glucose levels so I can effectively perform this skill during my future clinical placement.

Analysis

Blood glucose levels are described as an essential process regarding diagnosing and monitoring diabetes. By regularly monitoring blood sugar levels, it ensures patients levels remain in a safe limit. Diabetes Australia (2020) states that over time BGL readings will provide both the patient and health professional with sufficient information required to determine the best possible management for diabetes. Additionally, I believe the overall process of assessing the patient's blood glucose levels was successful. Although the first reading was unclear, I made sense of the situation, and I understood what I did incorrectly. After asking my assessor how to complete the procedure the second time around correctly, I successfully acquired the patients BGL reading. I could undertake the assessment differently by asking the patient I place their finger on the table or firm surface to ensure stability whilst acquiring blood from prick (Pickering & Marsden, 2014). I realised that I had to become more confident in asking the patient to help with the procedure, in this case, acquiring more blood for the test strip. Conclusion

Monique Vonhoff

In conclusion, the Gibbs Reflective Cycle (1998) has allowed me to reflect and evaluate the clinical skill, BGL monitoring successfully. It has acted as a guide to analyse my experience during practical classes critically and will enable me to reflect on my feelings and areas of improvement that I must perfect. Although not all patients are the same, I have covered the required skill that will be applied in a clinical health setting. My practical lab classes covered all the possible occurrences that may occur in my future. Most importantly, patient-centred care was the focal key point mentioned throughout each practical class. Although I have a lot to learn, by ensuring quality patient care is provided, I can effectively assess each patient knowing they are comfortable and safe. Furthermore, it is essential that I am educated and consistently practice conducting this assessment as patients must keep their BGL within a target range to manage diabetes-related risks and upkeep patients health and wellbeing.

Action Plan

Furthermore, with consistently practicing this assessment, I feel as though I will be educated and prepared for my clinical placement. Learning new skills is a never- ending process; however, with knowledge from studies and my practical class tutors, I feel confident in taking a patient BGL measurements. Although I still have a lot to learn, I will continue to find and learn new strategies and techniques to perfect the BGL procedure. Even though I did not complete the process successfully the first time around, I believe I can successfully undertake the procedure during my future clinical placements and nursing career.

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