Nurses’ role in providing care to patients under glycemic control in the intensive care unit

Abstract

The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is in a highly complex environment, where critically ill patients frequently present metabolic alterations, highlighting hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, as well as the absence of previous diabetes mellitus. Inadequate glycemic control is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, infections, longer hospital stays and worse clinical outcomes, becoming an important indicator of healthcare quality. The objective of this work is to analyze, through a literature review, the attitude of the nurse in providing care to the patient in glycemic control in the Intensive Care Unit. This is a review of descriptive and exploratory literature, with a qualitative approach, carried out based on scientific articles, guides and studies published in national and international databases, which address glycemic control in critically ill adult patients and the role of illness in this context. The studies show that the nurse plays a central role in controlling glycemia, being responsible for the continuous monitoring of glycemia, safe administration of insulin, early recognition of hypo and hyperglycemia, application of institutional protocols and permanent education of the team. The integrated work with a multi-professional team contributes to the reduction of adverse events and improvement of clinical errors. It is concluded that nursing training is essential for the safety and effectiveness of glycemic control in the ICU, being essential the use of protocols based on evidence and continuous professional training.