EMS Chapter 19 Endocrine and Hematologic Emergencies

Questions and Answers

What is hemoglobin?

Found within the red blood cells and is responsible for carrying oxygen.

What function does insulin serve in the body?

Enabling glucose to enter the cells.

What should you suspect about a 28-year-old female patient with type 1 diabetes who has been urinating excessively?

Is significantly hyperglycemic.

How is diabetes MOST accurately defined?

A disorder of glucose metabolism. Signup and view all the answers

The purpose of the endocrine system is to send ______________ throughout the body to control its function.

messages Signup and view all the answers

What should you suspect for a 42-year-old male patient found unresponsive with a blood glucose level of 75 mg/dL?

Intracranial bleeding. Signup and view all the answers

What is another name for Glipizide?

Glucotrol. Signup and view all the answers

When does diabetic ketoacidosis occur?

When insulin is not available in the body. Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial management for a confused 70-year-old male with type 2 diabetes?

Applying a nonrebreathing mask at 15 L/min. Signup and view all the answers

What should an EMT do for a 31-year-old male with a seizure and cyanosis?

Assist the patient's ventilations with a bag-valve mask. Signup and view all the answers

What condition should a 70-year-old woman wearing compression stockings and blood-thinning medication be suspected of having?

Deep vein thrombosis. Signup and view all the answers

Patients with thrombophilia are at an increased risk for which condition?

Pulmonary embolism. Signup and view all the answers

When should oral glucose be given?

To any patient who has an altered mental status and a history of diabetes. Signup and view all the answers

What treatment should patients experiencing a sickle cell crisis receive to help improve perfusion?

Supplemental oxygen to hypersaturate the remaining hemoglobin. Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken for a 29-year-old female presenting with confusion and disorientation?

Provide ventilatory support. Signup and view all the answers

What defines Type 1 diabetes?

A condition in which no insulin is produced by the body. Signup and view all the answers

The normal glucose range in non-fasting children and adults is ____________.

80-120 mg/dL Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if a 19-year-old male thinks he took his insulin but cannot remember if he ate?

Contact medical control and administer oral glucose. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following medications can an EMT administer to an unconscious diabetic patient?

None of these answers are correct Signup and view all the answers

What is likely to be revealed in the assessment of a patient with hypoglycemia?

Combativeness. Signup and view all the answers

When can you expect a patient with hypoglycemia to improve after treatment?

Immediately. Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is the same in both hyperglycemic patients and hypoglycemic patients?

Blood pressure. Signup and view all the answers

What does the endocrine system produce and secrete?

Hormones. Signup and view all the answers

What is insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus?

A condition in which glucose utilization is impaired. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is NOT a severe complication of diabetes?

Liver failure Signup and view all the answers

What is the MOST important question to ask the wife of an unresponsive 45-year-old man with insulin-dependent diabetes?

Did he take his insulin today? Signup and view all the answers

What should the blood glucose level in a neonate be above?

70 mg/dL. Signup and view all the answers

When suspecting a diabetes-related problem, what should a secondary assessment focus on?

The patient’s mental status and ability to swallow. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do for a conscious 27-year-old diabetic male with a blood glucose level of 56 mg/dL?

Administer oral glucose between the cheek and gums. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most commonly used type of oral glucose by EMS providers?

Rapidly dissolving gel. Signup and view all the answers

One tube of oral glucose gel equals one ______-g dose.

15g Signup and view all the answers

What can seizures be caused by?

Hypoglycemia. Signup and view all the answers

What can altered mental status in diabetes be caused by?

Ketoacidosis. Signup and view all the answers

In emergency medical care of a seizure, which position should the patient be placed in?

On his or her side. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a hematologic disorder?

Both sickle cell disease and hemophilia A Signup and view all the answers

In a healthy person, which component of blood has low levels?

Leukocytes. Signup and view all the answers

___________ is a disorder in the body's ability to maintain the viscosity and smooth flow of blood through the venous and arterial systems.

Thrombophilia Signup and view all the answers

Which complication is NOT associated with sickle cell disease?

Congestive heart failure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of sickle cell crisis?

Weak and slow pulse Signup and view all the answers

What oxygen-delivering device is typically used when administering oxygen to a patient with a hematologic disorder?

Non-rebreathing mask. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hemoglobin

A protein found in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body.

Insulin

Hormone that allows glucose to enter cells, crucial for energy production.

Hyperglycemia

Suspected in patients with type 1 diabetes exhibiting excessive urination and altered mental status.

Diabetes

Defined as a disorder of glucose metabolism, affecting the body's ability to use sugar.

Endocrine System

Sends messages via hormones to control various functions in the body.

Intracranial Bleeding

May be indicated by a patient with hemophilia exhibiting unresponsiveness, high blood pressure, low heart rate, and irregular respirations.

Glipizide

Non-insulin diabetes medication marketed as Glucotrol.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Occurs when insulin is absent, leading to severe metabolic disturbances.

Initial Management for Diabetic Patients

Use a non-rebreathing mask at 15 L/min for confused, tachycardic, diabetic individuals.

Ventilatory Support

Important for unresponsive patients showing rapid, shallow breathing and cyanosis.

Blood-Thinning Medications

Suggest a possible condition of deep vein thrombosis in patients taking such medications.

Thrombophilia

Increases the risk of pulmonary embolism due to abnormal blood clotting tendencies.

Oral Glucose Administration

Recommended for patients with altered mental status and diabetes history.

Sickle Cell Crisis Management

Administer supplemental oxygen to improve blood perfusion.

Type 1 Diabetes

Characterized by complete absence of insulin production by the pancreas.

Normal Glucose Levels

Non-fasting blood glucose should be maintained within 80-120 mg/dL.

Diabetes Management

Immediate treatment for a hypoglycemic patient can show results right after administration.

General Symptoms in Diabetes

Blood pressure readings remain consistent in both hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic patients.

Endocrine Hormones

Produced and secreted by a complex network of glands within the endocrine system.

Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

Results in impaired glucose utilization due to insulin deficiency.

Severe Diabetes Complications

Liver failure is not classified among severe complications related to diabetes.

Patient Assessment

Asking if insulin was taken is critical in evaluating unresponsive patients with diabetes.

Neonate Blood Glucose Levels

Should be maintained above 70 mg/dL for healthy metabolic function.

Secondary Assessment Focus

In diabetes evaluations, mental status and swallowing ability are key factors.

Administering Oral Glucose

For conscious patients with low blood sugar, glucose can be given between the gums and cheek.

Oral Glucose Gel

Commonly utilized by EMS, with one tube typically containing a 15g dose.

Seizures

Can arise from hypoglycemia, necessitating immediate medical intervention.

Ketoacidosis and Altered Mental Status

Common conditions associated with diabetes that may cause confusion.

Seizure Positioning

Patients should be placed on their side during a seizure to protect their airway.

Hematologic Disorders

Includes both sickle cell disease and hemophilia A, impacting blood characteristics.

Leukocyte Levels

Generally low in healthy individuals; these white blood cells fight infection.

Thrombophilia Defined

Refers to conditions that disrupt normal blood viscosity and flow.

Sickle Cell Disease Complications

Congestive heart failure is not a usual complication of this hereditary condition affecting red blood cells.

Sickle Cell Crisis Symptoms

Patients will typically not present with a weak and slow pulse.

Oxygen Delivery for Hematologic Disorders

Non-rebreathing masks are frequently used to administer oxygen effectively.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on the key terms and concepts related to endocrine and hematologic emergencies in this EMS Chapter 19 quiz. From hemoglobin's role in oxygen transport to the functions of insulin, this quiz covers crucial definitions and clinical scenarios. Enhance your understanding of medical emergencies associated with these systems.