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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 __________.
A patient with hypoglycemia will often present with which of the following signs/symptoms?
The two main types of cells contained in blood are called _________.
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Which of the following statements regarding glucose is correct?
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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:
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In contrast to type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes:
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The EMT should assess for hypoglycemia in small children with a severe illness or injury because:
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Classic signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia include:
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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:
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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:
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Proper procedure for administering oral glucose to a patient includes all of the following, EXCEPT:
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Which of the following statements regarding sickle cell disease is correct?
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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?
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During your assessment of a 19-year-old male, you are told that he is being treated with factor VIII. This indicates that:
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Which of the following conditions is the diabetic patient at an increased risk of developing?
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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:
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Symptomatic hypoglycemia will MOST likely develop if a patient:
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The normal blood glucose level is between:
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Excessive eating caused by cellular 'hunger' is called:
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Ketone production is the result of:
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Kussmaul respirations are an indication that the body is:
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Common signs and symptoms of severe hyperglycemia include all of the following, EXCEPT:
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Which of the following signs or symptoms would the EMT MOST likely encounter in a patient with new-onset type 1 diabetes?
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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:
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When obtaining a SAMPLE history from a patient with diabetes, it would be MOST important to determine:
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When assessing an unresponsive diabetic patient, the primary visible difference between hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia is the:
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To which of the following diabetic patients should you administer oral glucose?
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Normal blood glucose levels range from _____ mg/dL.
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The accumulation of ketones and fatty acids in blood tissue can lead to a dangerous condition in diabetic patients known as:
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The onset of hypoglycemia can occur within:
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Blood glucose levels are measured in:
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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.
Hyperglycemia and Related Conditions
- 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.