Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following refers to destruction of beta cells of the pancreas, resulting in insufficient insulin production? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following refers to destruction of beta cells of the pancreas, resulting in insufficient insulin production? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following typically occurs in middle-aged, obese individuals and is usually controlled by diet, exercise, weight loss, and oral medications?
Which of the following typically occurs in middle-aged, obese individuals and is usually controlled by diet, exercise, weight loss, and oral medications?
In which of the following can BGLs reach levels of up to 1,000 mg/dL?
In which of the following can BGLs reach levels of up to 1,000 mg/dL?
Which of the following is a form of hyperthyroidism that results from an autoimmune disorder that causes increased production of thyroid hormones?
Which of the following is a form of hyperthyroidism that results from an autoimmune disorder that causes increased production of thyroid hormones?
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The preferred fuel of body cells is:
The preferred fuel of body cells is:
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Which of the following BEST explains the role of insulin in the body?
Which of the following BEST explains the role of insulin in the body?
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Which of the following BEST explains Kussmaul respirations in hyperglycemia?
Which of the following BEST explains Kussmaul respirations in hyperglycemia?
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Which of the following is secreted in response to rising BGLs?
Which of the following is secreted in response to rising BGLs?
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Which of the following BGLs falls within a normal range?
Which of the following BGLs falls within a normal range?
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What is the range for a normal BGL?
What is the range for a normal BGL?
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Which of the following BEST describes the condition that occurs when the blood glucose level reaches 300 to 500 mg/dL?
Which of the following BEST describes the condition that occurs when the blood glucose level reaches 300 to 500 mg/dL?
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Which of the following BEST describes the condition that occurs when the blood glucose level goes above 500 mg/dL?
Which of the following BEST describes the condition that occurs when the blood glucose level goes above 500 mg/dL?
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Without a constant supply of __________, brain cells cannot function.
Without a constant supply of __________, brain cells cannot function.
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Which type of cells do NOT require insulin for glucose to cross the cell membrane?
Which type of cells do NOT require insulin for glucose to cross the cell membrane?
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Brain cells cannot switch to another source of energy when __________ levels are low.
Brain cells cannot switch to another source of energy when __________ levels are low.
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Which of the following is NOT an expected short-term effect of the lack of glucose to the brain?
Which of the following is NOT an expected short-term effect of the lack of glucose to the brain?
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The primary storage reservoir for glycogen is the:
The primary storage reservoir for glycogen is the:
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Glycogen is a more complex molecule than the molecule from which it is synthesized, which is:
Glycogen is a more complex molecule than the molecule from which it is synthesized, which is:
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Glycogen is broken down into glucose in a process called:
Glycogen is broken down into glucose in a process called:
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What process is used to create glucose from amino acids and fatty acids?
What process is used to create glucose from amino acids and fatty acids?
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Which of the following BEST characterizes the conditions created by untreated type 1 diabetes?
Which of the following BEST characterizes the conditions created by untreated type 1 diabetes?
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Which of the following is associated with hypoglycemia but not hyperglycemia?
Which of the following is associated with hypoglycemia but not hyperglycemia?
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Which of the following has a sudden onset of altered mental status or bizarre behavior?
Which of the following has a sudden onset of altered mental status or bizarre behavior?
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You are called to care for a patient who complains of headache, weakness, and loss of coordination. He appears irritable and has a weak, rapid pulse. His skin is pale, cool, and diaphoretic. You suspect:
You are called to care for a patient who complains of headache, weakness, and loss of coordination. He appears irritable and has a weak, rapid pulse. His skin is pale, cool, and diaphoretic. You suspect:
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Which of the following BEST describes the onset of signs and symptoms of a hyperglycemic emergency?
Which of the following BEST describes the onset of signs and symptoms of a hyperglycemic emergency?
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Which one of these characteristics would be helpful in distinguishing between hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state and diabetic ketoacidosis?
Which one of these characteristics would be helpful in distinguishing between hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state and diabetic ketoacidosis?
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A blood glucose level of 1,000 mg/dL would be MOST consistent with:
A blood glucose level of 1,000 mg/dL would be MOST consistent with:
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Which condition is MOST associated with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state?
Which condition is MOST associated with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state?
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Which of the following findings should you MOST expect to find in a patient with hyperglycemia?
Which of the following findings should you MOST expect to find in a patient with hyperglycemia?
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Which of the following should you MOST expect to find in a patient with hypoglycemia?
Which of the following should you MOST expect to find in a patient with hypoglycemia?
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Which of the following questions is MOST important in helping you determine whether a diabetic patient is at risk for hypoglycemia?
Which of the following questions is MOST important in helping you determine whether a diabetic patient is at risk for hypoglycemia?
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Which of the following recent events in a diabetic patient's history should increase your suspicion of a hyperglycemic emergency?
Which of the following recent events in a diabetic patient's history should increase your suspicion of a hyperglycemic emergency?
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Which of the following is NOT a complication of type 1 diabetes?
Which of the following is NOT a complication of type 1 diabetes?
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All of the following are complications of diabetes EXCEPT:
All of the following are complications of diabetes EXCEPT:
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Which of the following is a complication of diabetes?
Which of the following is a complication of diabetes?
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All of the following are complications of type 1 diabetes EXCEPT:
All of the following are complications of type 1 diabetes EXCEPT:
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You are responding to a call for a patient with an altered mental status and a history of hyperglycemia. Which treatment is needed by both patients with diabetic ketoacidosis and patients in a hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state?
You are responding to a call for a patient with an altered mental status and a history of hyperglycemia. Which treatment is needed by both patients with diabetic ketoacidosis and patients in a hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state?
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You have responded to a college lecture hall for an unresponsive person. The patient is a college-age male who is unresponsive. Witnesses state that he became confused, pale, and sweaty while working with classmates on a project. He is pale, and his clothing is damp with perspiration. He has snoring respirations at 16 per minute; the snoring stops when you manually position the airway, and there is no indication of cyanosis. As you check the radial pulse, you notice a medical bracelet that indicates the patient is diabetic. The radial pulse is present and regular at 100 beats per minute. Which of the following should you do first?
You have responded to a college lecture hall for an unresponsive person. The patient is a college-age male who is unresponsive. Witnesses state that he became confused, pale, and sweaty while working with classmates on a project. He is pale, and his clothing is damp with perspiration. He has snoring respirations at 16 per minute; the snoring stops when you manually position the airway, and there is no indication of cyanosis. As you check the radial pulse, you notice a medical bracelet that indicates the patient is diabetic. The radial pulse is present and regular at 100 beats per minute. Which of the following should you do first?
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A 45-year-old man became disoriented and agitated while playing golf. When you arrive, he is awake and agitated, screaming and swearing at his golf partners, who are trying to keep him from wandering off. He appears excessively sweaty, even for a warm day, and does not acknowledge your arrival. One of the golfers tells you the man is diabetic. They have been trying to get him to eat a candy bar and drink some soda, but he is uncooperative. Your first priority is:
A 45-year-old man became disoriented and agitated while playing golf. When you arrive, he is awake and agitated, screaming and swearing at his golf partners, who are trying to keep him from wandering off. He appears excessively sweaty, even for a warm day, and does not acknowledge your arrival. One of the golfers tells you the man is diabetic. They have been trying to get him to eat a candy bar and drink some soda, but he is uncooperative. Your first priority is:
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A 26-year-old woman with a history of diabetes was found unresponsive at home. When you arrive, the patient is unresponsive to pain and has snoring respirations at 12 per minute. Her skin is pale and cool, and she has a thready radial pulse of 112 beats per minute. Her BGL is 32 mg/dL. You have tried three times to start an IV, but all attempts were unsuccessful. You should:
A 26-year-old woman with a history of diabetes was found unresponsive at home. When you arrive, the patient is unresponsive to pain and has snoring respirations at 12 per minute. Her skin is pale and cool, and she has a thready radial pulse of 112 beats per minute. Her BGL is 32 mg/dL. You have tried three times to start an IV, but all attempts were unsuccessful. You should:
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What is the minimum size of IV catheter that should be used to push 50 percent dextrose?
What is the minimum size of IV catheter that should be used to push 50 percent dextrose?
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What is the typical dose of 50 percent dextrose in the adult patient?
What is the typical dose of 50 percent dextrose in the adult patient?
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How soon should you see improvement in the patient's condition after administration of 50 percent dextrose?
How soon should you see improvement in the patient's condition after administration of 50 percent dextrose?
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What medication may be used in the unresponsive hypoglycemic patient when there is no IV access?
What medication may be used in the unresponsive hypoglycemic patient when there is no IV access?
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You have administered 50 percent dextrose IV to a 30-year-old man who is a type 1 diabetic and was found unresponsive at home. The patient is now alert and oriented. How often should this patient be reassessed during transport?
You have administered 50 percent dextrose IV to a 30-year-old man who is a type 1 diabetic and was found unresponsive at home. The patient is now alert and oriented. How often should this patient be reassessed during transport?
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How often should you reassess a critical patient having an endocrine emergency?
How often should you reassess a critical patient having an endocrine emergency?
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Which of the following is NOT generally reassessed during the transport of a critical patient with an endocrine emergency?
Which of the following is NOT generally reassessed during the transport of a critical patient with an endocrine emergency?
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Your patient suffers from altered mental status secondary to mild hypoglycemia. You have administered oral glucose and the patient has shown improvement. How frequently should you reassess this patient while en route?
Your patient suffers from altered mental status secondary to mild hypoglycemia. You have administered oral glucose and the patient has shown improvement. How frequently should you reassess this patient while en route?
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You have administered 50 percent dextrose IV to a 30-year-old man who is a type 1 diabetic and was found unresponsive at home. The patient is now alert and oriented and is refusing transport to the hospital. A neighbor found the patient but is unable to stay with him. Which of the following is the BEST solution to this situation?
You have administered 50 percent dextrose IV to a 30-year-old man who is a type 1 diabetic and was found unresponsive at home. The patient is now alert and oriented and is refusing transport to the hospital. A neighbor found the patient but is unable to stay with him. Which of the following is the BEST solution to this situation?
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Your patient refuses transport. In addition to having the patient sign a refusal form, you would document all of the following EXCEPT:
Your patient refuses transport. In addition to having the patient sign a refusal form, you would document all of the following EXCEPT:
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What mnemonic may be used to remember causes of altered mental status?
What mnemonic may be used to remember causes of altered mental status?
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What source of information regarding medical information is NOT typically used when your patient is unresponsive?
What source of information regarding medical information is NOT typically used when your patient is unresponsive?
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Which of the following signs or symptoms should you anticipate in hyperthyroidism?
Which of the following signs or symptoms should you anticipate in hyperthyroidism?
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____________ is a severe, immediately life-threatening form of hyperthyroidism.
____________ is a severe, immediately life-threatening form of hyperthyroidism.
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Your patient has a history of Graves' disease. When you assess her, you note that she has the protrusion of the eyes characteristic of this disease. What is this called?
Your patient has a history of Graves' disease. When you assess her, you note that she has the protrusion of the eyes characteristic of this disease. What is this called?
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Nonpitting tissue swelling associated with severe hypothyroidism is known as:
Nonpitting tissue swelling associated with severe hypothyroidism is known as:
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Destruction of the adrenal cortex is a cause of:
Destruction of the adrenal cortex is a cause of:
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Which of the following characteristics is associated with Cushing's syndrome?
Which of the following characteristics is associated with Cushing's syndrome?
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Which of the following is associated with Cushing's disease?
Which of the following is associated with Cushing's disease?
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Which of the following would occur if a patient who has taken corticosteroids for an extended period of time suddenly stops taking them?
Which of the following would occur if a patient who has taken corticosteroids for an extended period of time suddenly stops taking them?
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Study Notes
Diabetes Types
- Type 1 diabetes is characterized by the destruction of beta cells in the pancreas, leading to insufficient insulin production.
- Type 2 diabetes typically occurs in middle-aged, obese individuals and is manageable through lifestyle changes, including diet, exercise, and oral medications.
Hyperglycemia Conditions
- Blood glucose levels (BGLs) can reach up to 1,000 mg/dL in a hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when BGLs reach between 300 to 500 mg/dL.
- Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state is characterized by BGLs above 500 mg/dL.
Insulin Function
- Insulin facilitates the entry of glucose into cells by binding to cellular receptors.
- Rising BGLs stimulate the secretion of insulin, while glucose is the preferred fuel for body cells.
Kussmaul Breathing
- Kussmaul respirations occur as the body tries to correct acidosis by increasing pH.
Glucose Homeostasis
- Normal BGL ranges from 70 to 110 mg/dL, with 70 mg/dL considered within normal limits.
- Lack of glucose impairs brain function; brain cells cannot utilize fatty acids or amino acids for energy when glucose is insufficient.
Symptoms and Signs of Diabetes Emergencies
- Hypoglycemia leads to rapid onset of symptoms, while hyperglycemia develops gradually over hours to days.
- Symptoms of hypoglycemia include altered mental status, dizziness, headache, weakness, irritability, and pale, cool skin.
- Warm, dry skin is often seen in patients with hyperglycemia.
Treatment and Management
- In cases of altered mental status and suspected hypoglycemia, always check BGL first and consider administering oral glucose or 1-mg glucagon if IV access is not available.
- 50% dextrose should be pushed through at least an 18-gauge IV catheter, with a typical adult dose of 25g.
- Reassess patients every 15 minutes after improvement from hypoglycemia and every 5 minutes for critical endocrine emergencies.
Complications of Diabetes
- Complications include diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, blindness, and characters like a “moon face” in Cushing's syndrome.
- Patients refusing transport must be informed about possible risks, and their refusals documented without speculation.
Thyroid Disorders
- Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder causing hyperthyroidism, characterized by excess thyroid hormones and exophthalmos (protrusion of the eyes).
- Myxedema is nonpitting tissue swelling linked to severe hypothyroidism, whereas thyrotoxicosis represents a severe form of hyperthyroidism.
- Addison's disease arises from destruction of the adrenal cortex, with symptoms mirroring those of an adrenal crisis if corticosteroid treatment is suddenly halted.
Mnemonics and Mental Status
- AEIOU TIPS is a useful mnemonic for the causes of altered mental status.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on Chapter 23 of the AEMT course with these flashcards. This quiz focuses on the various types of diabetes and their characteristics. Perfect for preparing for exams and understanding critical concepts in emergency medical training.
