Sudden Illness Lecture: Diabetic Emergencies

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Questions and Answers

What is a common cause of seizures?

High fever (correct)

Chronic stress

Migraine

Heart attack

Which of the following should NOT be done during a seizure?

Move nearby objects to avoid injury

Place something soft under the head

Put something between the person's teeth (correct)

Time the seizure from start to finish

What symptom is NOT commonly associated with seizures?

Foaming at the mouth

Eyes rolling upward

Rigor mortis (correct)

Sudden cry or scream

When should emergency services be called regarding a seizure?

If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended position for a person recovering from a seizure?

On their side with their head on a rolled towel Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT necessitate calling emergency services after a seizure?

The person is tired from the seizure Signup and view all the answers

What kind of muscle movement is associated with seizures?

Uncontrolled Signup and view all the answers

What should be monitored after a seizure?

Breathing Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the common causes of hypoglycemia in a person with diabetes?

Taking too much insulin Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step to take if a person experiencing hypoglycemia is unresponsive?

Call emergency number immediately Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT typically associated with hypoglycemia?

Excessive thirst Signup and view all the answers

If a patient with diabetes is responsive and can swallow, what is the first action to take if they exhibit signs of hypoglycemia?

Allow the person to check their blood glucose Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recognized cause of hyperglycemia?

Excessive exercise Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if a person with suspected hyperglycemia is responsive and able to swallow?

Give them small sips of water Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if blood glucose testing is not possible but signs of hypoglycemia are present?

Use the rule of 15 Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended amount of sugar to give someone who is experiencing hypoglycemia?

15 grams Signup and view all the answers

What immediate action should follow if a diabetic patient shows no improvement after initial treatment for hypoglycemia?

Call emergency services Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a sign of hypoglycemia?

Sudden hunger Signup and view all the answers

What symptom is commonly associated with hyperglycemia?

Extreme thirst Signup and view all the answers

How long should you wait after administering sugar before rechecking blood glucose levels in hypoglycemia?

15 minutes Signup and view all the answers

Which behavioral change may indicate a hypoglycemic episode?

Anger and bad temper Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by cold, pale, moist, and clammy skin in a person with diabetes?

Hypoglycemia Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken if a person experiencing hypoglycemia is unable to swallow?

Call emergency number immediately Signup and view all the answers

In the context of diabetic emergencies, what does the term 'diabetic ketoacidosis' refer to?

A condition caused by insufficient insulin leading to severe metabolic imbalance Signup and view all the answers

What is the appropriate position for a person suspected of having a stroke?

On their back with head and shoulders slightly raised Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions should NOT be taken if someone has fainted?

Give them something to drink Signup and view all the answers

How should you respond if a person is unresponsive but breathing?

Turn them onto their side Signup and view all the answers

Which sign indicates a high risk of stroke?

Presence of sudden collapse Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if a fainting person does not regain responsiveness quickly?

Call for medical assistance Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the first actions to take if a person has collapsed and is unresponsive?

Check their breathing Signup and view all the answers

Which condition should prompt immediate medical attention if a person has fainted?

The person has diabetes Signup and view all the answers

What should be monitored after a person has fainted and is regaining consciousness?

Their breathing Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sudden Illness Lecture Notes

Learning Objectives (LOS): Recognize basic life support principles, identify common medical emergencies, assess and perform appropriate first aid for acutely ill patients, and rapidly assess situations at the accident scene. Analyze medical emergencies and select appropriate first aid for sudden illnesses., Work effectively in teams, communicate effectively, and act in a reliable and responsible manner while providing emergency care.

Diabetic Emergencies - Hypoglycemia

Description: A life-threatening emergency in people with diabetes, occurring when the body doesn't receive enough sugar.
Causes: Taking too much insulin, not eating enough, overexertion, or vomiting.
Symptoms: Responsive but with difficulty swallowing, medical identification tag, sudden onset of symptoms, staggering, poor coordination, clumsiness, anger, bad temper, cold, pale, moist, clammy skin, confusion, disorientation, sudden hunger, excessive sweating, and trembling/shakiness.
What to do (Rule of 15): If possible, allow the patient to check blood glucose. If testing isn't possible or blood glucose is low, give 15 grams of sugar (glucose tablets, teaspoons of sugar, 1/2 cup fruit juice). Wait 15 minutes and recheck blood glucose. If it's still low, give 15 more grams of sugar. If there is no improvement, call emergency services.
Additional Actions (Unresponsive): Call emergency services immediately, monitor breathing, look for medical identification, Do NOT give food or drink, place the person on their side to keep the airway open, and allow fluids or vomit to drain.

Diabetic Emergencies - Hyperglycemia

Description: A serious condition where blood sugar levels are too high, potentially resulting in diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state.
Causes: Insufficient insulin, overeating, illness, inactivity, or stress
Symptoms: Medical identification tag, gradual onset (hours to days), drowsiness, extreme thirst, very frequent urination, warm/red/dry skin, vomiting, fruity breath odor, heavy breathing, and eventual unresponsiveness
What to do: Give small sips of water if the person can swallow. If unsure if it's hypo- or hyperglycemia (and the person can swallow), use the rule of 15. Do not give insulin unless the person can self-administer it. Call emergency services.

Seizures

Description: A disturbance of electrical activity in the brain causing uncontrolled muscle movements.
Causes: Epilepsy, head injury, brain tumor, stroke, heat stroke, poisoning (alcohol or drugs), diabetic emergency, and high fever.
Symptoms: Sudden cry or scream, sudden loss of responsiveness, rigid body/jerky movements, arching of the back (convulsions), foaming at mouth, drooling, grinding teeth, blue lips and face, eyes rolling upward, loss of bladder or bowel control.
What to do: Move nearby objects to avoid injuries., place something soft under the head (like a rolled towel), do not hold the person down, do not put anything in the person's mouth. Time the duration of the seizure and most seizures are less than 2 minutes. Keep bystanders away.
When to call emergency services: Seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes, series of seizures, breathing difficulties after seizure, person has diabetes or is pregnant, seizure happened in water, first seizure, injury-related seizure, or slow recovery.

Stroke

Description: A serious medical condition caused by a blockage in blood flow to the brain or a burst blood vessel in the brain.
Symptoms: FAST: Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to seek help.
What to do: Call emergency services immediately while waiting for help, monitor breathing, place the person on his/her back with head and shoulders raised, loosen tight clothing, prepare to turn them if needed, and if the person is unresponsive but breathing place them on their side
Use FAST method: Face, Arms, Speech, Time

Fainting

Description: A temporary loss of consciousness due to a reduction in blood flow to the brain .
Symptoms: Sudden collapse, Pale skin, lips, and nail bed, Clammy, sweaty skin
What to do: Check breathing, if no breathing – call emergency and start CPR. Keep the person flat with the head slightly elevated, if necessary, raise feet/legs and loosen tight clothing. Wipe the forehead with a cool wet cloth. If it's repeated fainting, seek medical attention.
What NOT to do: Use ammonia inhalants, give the person anything to eat or drink before they regain consciousness, splash water on their face, or slap their face.

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Description

Explore the critical concepts of sudden illnesses, focusing on diabetic emergencies such as hypoglycemia. Learn to recognize symptoms, understand causes, and apply appropriate first aid techniques in emergencies. This quiz will enhance your ability to respond effectively in medical situations.