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Questions and Answers
A patient with altered mental status has a blood glucose level of 50 mg/dL but is able to protect their airway. Which intervention is MOST appropriate according to the protocol?
A patient with altered mental status has a blood glucose level of 50 mg/dL but is able to protect their airway. Which intervention is MOST appropriate according to the protocol?
A patient presents with altered mental status. After initial assessment, their blood glucose is 70 mg/dL and there are no signs of stroke, seizure, trauma, or respiratory depression. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step?
A patient presents with altered mental status. After initial assessment, their blood glucose is 70 mg/dL and there are no signs of stroke, seizure, trauma, or respiratory depression. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step?
You arrive on the scene to find an unresponsive patient with shallow respirations. After administering Naloxone, the patient's respiratory rate improves, but they remain unresponsive. What underlying condition should you now consider?
You arrive on the scene to find an unresponsive patient with shallow respirations. After administering Naloxone, the patient's respiratory rate improves, but they remain unresponsive. What underlying condition should you now consider?
A patient with altered mental status has a blood glucose level of 45 mg/dL, and IV access cannot be established. Which of the following medications should be administered?
A patient with altered mental status has a blood glucose level of 45 mg/dL, and IV access cannot be established. Which of the following medications should be administered?
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After administering D10 to a patient complaining of altered mental status, the patient regains consciousness. According to the protocol, what is the next step?
After administering D10 to a patient complaining of altered mental status, the patient regains consciousness. According to the protocol, what is the next step?
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Flashcards
Blood Glucose Testing
Blood Glucose Testing
Assessment of blood glucose levels for patients with altered mental status.
D10, 25 g IV/IO
D10, 25 g IV/IO
Administer 250 mL of 10% dextrose solution for patients with BG < 60 mg/dL.
Glucagon 1 mg IM
Glucagon 1 mg IM
Hormone used to increase blood sugar in patients without IV access.
12-Lead ECG
12-Lead ECG
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Signs of Shock
Signs of Shock
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Study Notes
Altered Mental Status/Syncope Algorithm
- Initial Assessment: Blood glucose level (<60 mg/dL or >60 mg/dL) dictates initial protocol.
- BG <60 mg/dL: Oral glucose (D10, 25 g IV/IO, 250 mL 10% solution), repeat every 5 minutes if needed. Glucagon 1mg IM if no IV access possible. Monitor for improved mental status.
- BG >60mg/dL: Initiate cardiovascular monitoring (cardiac monitor and 12-lead ECG).
- Improved Mental Status: Continue other treatment protocols as indicated.
- Not Improved Mentally: Consider possible causes (stroke, hypoperfusion, seizure, trauma, cardiac causes/known disease, unresponsive with respiratory depression, suspected narcotic overdose).
- Additional Interventions: Normal Saline (NS) or Lactated Ringer's (LR), 500 mL IV, repeated up to 2000 mL as needed.
- Associated Symptoms: Specific assessments for various related conditions should be performed as indicated.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the algorithm for assessing altered mental status and syncope. It covers initial assessments based on blood glucose levels and subsequent interventions based on patient response. Understanding these protocols is crucial for effective emergency care and management.
