HHC Health & Home Care Clinical Policy And

HHC HEALTH & HOME CARE Section: 6-1
Endocrine: Urine Testing For Ketones __RN
PURPOSE: PROCEDURE:
To monitor diabetes control by measuring for urine
1. Adhere to Universal Precautions.
acetone.
2. Inspect bottle to ensure the reagent strips have not
expired.
CONSIDERATIONS: 3. Remove one reagent strip from container and
1. Testing for urine ketones is indicated for:
a. Patients with Type I diabetes with blood glucose
levels greater than 300, when ill or when
pregnant.
b. Patients with gestational diabetes.
c. Patients using an insulin pump
d. Patients with Type I diabetes that are restricting
replace cap.
4. Follow manufacturer's guidelines for specific steps
in testing urine.
5. Discard soiled supplies in appropriate containers.
AFTER CARE:
calories to loose weight. 1. Document in patient's record:
2.
3.
4.
Notify physician when ketones are present.
Replace cap of reagent strip container promptly and
tightly. Once the seal is broken on the reagent
bottle, the strips are good for only four months.
Date bottle when opened.
Reagent strips must be protected from heat and
moisture. They should not be stored in the
bathroom or kept in a car.
2.
a. Results of urine testing.
b. Presence of any signs or symptoms of hyper
and/or hypoglycemia.
c. Instructions given to patient/caregiver.
d. Patient's/caregiver's ability to return
demonstrate procedure.
Report to physician, if indicated.
5. Do not touch test area of reagent strip. Do not use
if reagent strip is discolored or beyond expiration
date of opened bottle.
6. Patient must be able to ascertain color differences.
EQUIPMENT:
Gloves
Urine reagent strips and container with color chart
Specimen container with freshly voided urine specimen
Watch with second hand
Impervious trash bag
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