Questions and Answers
Assessment of a patient with hypoglycemia will MOST likely reveal:
Type 1 diabetes is a condition in which no insulin is produced by the body.
True
Based on her medical history, what should the EMT suspect for a 66-year-old woman with sudden onset difficulty breathing?
Pulmonary embolism
What is the definitive treatment for a patient with a blood sugar reading of 480 mg/dL?
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Patients with thrombophilia are at an increased risk for pulmonary embolism.
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In contrast to type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes is caused by resistance to insulin at the cellular level.
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Which of the following is NOT part of the proper procedure for administering oral glucose?
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When obtaining a SAMPLE history from a patient with diabetes, what is MOST important to determine?
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In contrast to hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia can only be corrected in the hospital setting.
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What should you do when responding to a patient displaying aggressive behavior and confusion?
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The brain requires glucose as much as it requires oxygen.
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What immediate action should be taken for an unresponsive patient with a blood glucose level of 75 mg/dL?
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What is ketone production a result of?
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What initial management should be done for a confused patient with type 2 diabetes?
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What should be done for a 19-year-old male unsure if he took his insulin?
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What clinical sign would MOST likely lead to the correct diagnosis for a diabetic patient with altered mental status?
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Diabetic patients are at an increased risk of developing blindness.
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The EMT should assess for hypoglycemia in small children with a severe illness or injury because they cannot store excess glucose as effectively as adults.
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Patients with type 2 diabetes usually control their disease with all of the following, EXCEPT:
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What should you treat a 75-year-old male with type 1 diabetes and chest pain as?
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Study Notes
Hypoglycemia and Assessment
- Combativeness is a common symptom found during the assessment of a patient experiencing hypoglycemia.
- Children are less capable of storing excess glucose, which heightens their risk for hypoglycemia in cases of severe illness or injury.
Diabetes Types
- Type 1 diabetes is characterized by the body’s inability to produce insulin.
- Type 2 diabetes results from insulin resistance at the cellular level and is typically managed without supplemental insulin.
Emergency Situations
- A sudden onset of difficulty breathing in an elderly patient with a history of type 2 diabetes and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) raises suspicion for pulmonary embolism.
- For a patient with a blood sugar of 480 mg/dL who is semiconscious, definitive treatment involves administering insulin.
- Patients with thrombophilia have an increased risk for pulmonary embolism.
Glucose Management
- Administering oral glucose requires confirming the absence of a gag reflex to prevent choking.
- The brain's requirement for glucose is as critical as its need for oxygen.
- When assessing a patient unable to recall recent meals or insulin administration, the presence of deep and rapid breathing can indicate elevated blood sugar levels.
Clinical Signs and Actions
- An unresponsive patient with a blood glucose reading of 75 mg/dL and other abnormal vital signs may indicate intracranial bleeding; prompt ventilation support and rapid transport are crucial.
- Initial management for a confused, tachycardic, and diaphoretic diabetic patient should include oxygen through a nonrebreathing mask.
- If a patient shows signs of confusion and has an unknown blood sugar level, contacting medical control and administering oral glucose may be warranted.
Diabetic Complications
- Diabetic patients face an increased risk of developing complications such as blindness.
- The elderly patient with diabetes who presents with chest pain and weakness should be evaluated for a potential heart attack, especially if he has recently taken insulin and eaten.
Important Patient Management Tips
- Always assess for recent illnesses or stressors in diabetic patients during a SAMPLE history.
- Hyperglycemia is generally treated in a hospital setting, unlike hypoglycemia which may require immediate intervention.
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Description
This quiz covers important aspects of diabetes types, hypoglycemia symptoms, and emergency situations related to glucose management. It highlights the unique challenges in assessing and treating diabetic patients and emphasizes the critical interventions needed in acute scenarios. Enhance your understanding of diabetes care and emergency response.
