metabolic complications
Last reviewed 01/2018
Hypoglycaemia is common and should be avoided by the administration of a continuous infusion of 5% or 10% dextrose. In the comatose patient, blood glucose should be checked every 2 to 3 hours.
Hypoxia is common and continuous pulse oximetry monitoring is required. Mechanical ventilation should be considered if PaCO2 rises above 6.5 kPa or PaO2 drops below 10 kPa.