Katie Garagnon 6th Period

Artifact #8: Terms & Definitions

1. Insulin- a hormone produced by the pancreas (Islets of Langerhans) that regulates
sugar/glucose in the blood; insufficiency leads to diabetes.
2. Diabetes- a disease characterized by an impairment in the body’s ability to respond
to/produce insulin which leads to an abnormal metabolism of carbs and a high
concentration of glucose in blood/urine.
3. Blood glucose level- the amount of sugar in the blood; glucose is used as the body’s main
source of energy for cells.
4. Prediabetes- a precursor condition indicative of possible development of type 2 diabetes
and characterized by slightly elevated blood glucose levels.
5. Type 1 diabetes- also known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes; the
pancreas does not produce insulin, or a very miniscule amount.
6. Type 2 diabetes- most common type; the body can’t respond/use insulin properly and the
pancreas over-produces insulin but then can’t keep up and then doesn’t make enough.
7. Gestational diabetes- elevated blood glucose during pregnancy; similar to type 2 diabetes
and can lead to it later in life; usually resolves after birth of baby.
8. Diabetic ketoacidosis- a complication of diabetes, especially type 1, in which ketones are
rapidly produced (in response to not enough insulin), making the blood acidic.
9. Glucometer- tests/measures the amount of blood glucose/sugar in the blood.
10. Diabetes insipidus- a condition marked by frequent/heavy urination, excessive thirst, and
overall general weakness; it’s caused by a defect in the pituitary gland or kidney and
blood glucose levels are normal with this condition.

Source:
http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/common-terms/
 Katie Garagnon 6th Period

Artifact #9: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

 Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
 Signs & Symptoms:
o Excessive thirst
o Frequent urination
o Fruity/sweet smelling breath
o Nausea & vomiting
o Abdominal pain
o Dry skin & mouth
o Deep, rapid breathing/shortness of breath
o Decreased alertness
o Confusion
o Fatigue
o Flushed face
o Headache
o Flushed face
o Malaise/weakness
o High blood sugar
o High levels of ketones in urine
 Diagnosis:
o Checking blood sugar levels
o Testing ketone levels in the urine
o Bloodwork for potassium, sodium (metabolic function)
o Arterial blood gas- blood drawn from an artery to check acidity
o Blood pressure
o Chest x-rays, other tests if the patient is ill
 Treatment
o If DKA is left untreated, it results in coma and even death
o Fluid replacement
o Insulin therapy
o Electrolyte replacement

Sources:
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000320.htm
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-ketoacidosis/symptoms-causes/syc-
20371551
http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/ketoacidosis-dka.html
https://www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes/ketoacidosis#dka-causes
 Katie Garagnon 6th Period

Artifact #10: Education, Training

 Clinical Operations Administrator
 Responsible for over-seeing all the day-to-day activities of the hospital
Education:
 A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement, however most people have a master’s
and it is more preferred.
 Most COAs have degrees in the following: health administration, health management,
nursing, public health administration, or business administration.
Training:
 Graduate programs typically last 2-3 years and can include 1 year of supervised
administrative experience in a hospital or healthcare setting.
 Typically experience in an administrative or clinical role in a hospital/other healthcare
facility is required.
 Some may start their careers as medical records & health information technicians,
administrative assistants, or financial clerks at a medical office.

Sources:
https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Clinical_Operations_Manager/Salary
https://www.zippia.com/clinical-operations-manager-jobs/