EMT Chapter 19 Quiz & Flashcards on Oral Glucose

Questions and Answers

The main function of the endocrine system is to _________.

maintain homeostasis

A patient with an altered mental status; high blood glucose levels; and deep, rapid breathing may have a condition known as __________.

Hypoglycemic crisis

Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic coma

Hyperglycemic crisis

Diabetic ketoacidosis (correct)

A patient with hypoglycemia will often present with which of the following signs/symptoms?

Warm, red and dry skin

Hypertension

Pale, cool and clammy skin (correct)

Deep, rapid respirations

The two main types of cells contained in blood are called _________.

erythrocytes and leukocytes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding glucose is correct?

The brain requires glucose as much as it requires oxygen. Signup and view all the answers

A 37-year-old female with a history of diabetes presents with excessive urination and weakness of 2 days' duration. Her blood glucose level reads 320 mg/dL. If this patient's condition is not promptly treated, she will MOST likely develop:

Irreversible renal failure Signup and view all the answers

In contrast to type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes:

Is caused by resistance to insulin at the cellular level. Signup and view all the answers

The EMT should assess for hypoglycemia in small children with a severe illness or injury because:

Children cannot store excess glucose as effectively as adults. Signup and view all the answers

Classic signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia include:

Cool, clammy skin; weakness; tachycardia; and rapid respirations. Signup and view all the answers

A 75-year-old male with type 1 diabetes presents with chest pain and a general feeling of weakness. He tells you that he took his insulin today and ate a regular meal approximately 2 hours ago. You should treat this patient as though he is experiencing:

A heart attack Signup and view all the answers

A man finds his 59-year-old wife unconscious on the couch. He states that she takes medications for type 2 diabetes. He further tells you that his wife has been ill recently and has not eaten for the past 24 hours. Your assessment reveals that the patient is unresponsive. You should:

Open and maintain her airway and assess breathing. Signup and view all the answers

Proper procedure for administering oral glucose to a patient includes all of the following, EXCEPT:

Ensuring the absence of a gag reflex. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding sickle cell disease is correct?

In sickle cell disease, the red blood cells are abnormally shaped and are less able to carry oxygen. Signup and view all the answers

A 66-year-old woman experienced a sudden onset of difficulty breathing. She has a history of type 2 diabetes and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). On the basis of her medical history, which of the following should the EMT suspect?

Pulmonary embolism Signup and view all the answers

During your assessment of a 19-year-old male, you are told that he is being treated with factor VIII. This indicates that:

He has hemophilia A. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is the diabetic patient at an increased risk of developing?

Blindness Signup and view all the answers

You are treating a 40-year-old male with a documented blood sugar reading of 480 mg/dL. The patient is semiconscious and breathing shallowly, and is receiving assisted ventilation from your partner. You should recognize that definitive treatment for this patient includes:

Insulin Signup and view all the answers

Symptomatic hypoglycemia will MOST likely develop if a patient:

Takes too much of his or her prescribed insulin. Signup and view all the answers

The normal blood glucose level is between:

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

Excessive eating caused by cellular 'hunger' is called:

Polyphagia Signup and view all the answers

Ketone production is the result of:

Fat metabolization when glucose is unavailable. Signup and view all the answers

Kussmaul respirations are an indication that the body is:

Attempting to eliminate acids from the blood Signup and view all the answers

Common signs and symptoms of severe hyperglycemia include all of the following, EXCEPT:

Cool, clammy skin Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following signs or symptoms would the EMT MOST likely encounter in a patient with new-onset type 1 diabetes?

Weight loss and polyuria Signup and view all the answers

You respond to a residence for a patient who is 'not acting right.' As you approach the door, the patient, a 35-year-old male, begins shouting profanities at you and your partner while holding a baseball bat. The man is confused and diaphoretic, and is wearing a medical identification bracelet. You should:

Retreat at once and call law enforcement. Signup and view all the answers

When obtaining a SAMPLE history from a patient with diabetes, it would be MOST important to determine:

If he or she has had any recent illnesses or excessive stress. Signup and view all the answers

When assessing an unresponsive diabetic patient, the primary visible difference between hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia is the:

Rate and depth of breathing. Signup and view all the answers

To which of the following diabetic patients should you administer oral glucose?

A confused 55-year-old male with tachycardia and pallor Signup and view all the answers

Normal blood glucose levels range from _____ mg/dL.

80 to 120 Signup and view all the answers

The accumulation of ketones and fatty acids in blood tissue can lead to a dangerous condition in diabetic patients known as:

Diabetic ketoacidosis Signup and view all the answers

The onset of hypoglycemia can occur within:

Minutes Signup and view all the answers

Blood glucose levels are measured in:

Milligrams per deciliter Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Endocrine System Functions

Primary function is to maintain homeostasis in the body.

Diabetic Conditions

Altered mental status, high blood glucose, and deep breathing indicates diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Hypoglycemia presents with pale, cool, and clammy skin.

Blood Components

Blood primarily contains erythrocytes (red blood cells) and leukocytes (white blood cells).
The brain needs glucose as much as oxygen to function properly.

Diabetes Management

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to irreversible renal failure.
Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance at the cellular level.
Children have a reduced ability to store excess glucose during severe illnesses.

Hypoglycemia Symptoms

Classic symptoms include cool, clammy skin, weakness, and tachycardia.
Severe hypoglycemia may arise due to excessive insulin administration.
Normal blood glucose levels range from 80 to 120 mg/dL.

Symptoms of hyperglycemia: warm, dry skin and acetone breath odor.
Hyperglycemic patients can develop diabetic ketoacidosis if not treated effectively.
Treatment for very high blood sugar (e.g., 480 mg/dL) requires insulin.

Sickle Cell Disease and Blood Disorders

Sickle cell disease leads to abnormally shaped red blood cells, impairing oxygen transport.
Hemophilia A patients require factor VIII for clotting.

Risk Factors for Diabetic Patients

Increased risk of conditions like blindness, especially in long-term diabetics.

Patient Assessment and Safety

In a medical emergency involving a diabetic patient, prioritizing airway and breathing is crucial.
Approach potentially volatile situations with caution; seeking law enforcement may be necessary.
Obtain a thorough SAMPLE history, focusing on recent illnesses or stressors.

Unique Breathing Patterns

Kussmaul respirations indicate the body is trying to eliminate acids from the blood, often due to acidosis.

Oral Glucose Administration

Oral glucose should be given only to conscious patients who can safely swallow.
Unresponsive patients should not receive oral glucose to prevent choking.

Conditions of Ketone Production

Ketones are produced via fat metabolism when glucose is unavailable, sometimes leading to diabetic ketoacidosis.

Onset and Measurement of Blood Glucose Levels

Hypoglycemic onset can occur within minutes.
Blood glucose levels are commonly measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

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Description

Explore key concepts from EMT Chapter 19 on endocrine and hematologic emergencies through engaging flashcards. Test your knowledge on various conditions and the endocrine system's functions to enhance your understanding for emergency medical situations.

EMT Chapter 19 Flashcards