Diabetic Emergencies and Altered Mental Status Flashcards Preview

EMT Final > Diabetic Emergencies and Altered Mental Status > Flashcards

Flashcards in Diabetic Emergencies and Altered Mental Status Deck (15)
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1
Q

What is an action of insulin?

A

It increases the movement of sugar from the bloodstream to the cell.

2
Q

For the reticular activating system to work correctly, what 3 substances are needed?

A

Oxygen to perfuse brain tissue, glucose to nourish brain tissue, and water to keep the brain hydrated.

3
Q

The condition in which there is an insufficient amount of sugar in the blood is called what?

A

Hypoglycemia

4
Q

What loss of fluids and solids may result in hypoglycemia in the diabetic patient?

A

Vomiting after eating a meal

5
Q

How does hypoglycemia differ from hyperglycemia in regards to onset?

A

Hyperglycemia’s onset is more gradual

6
Q

What condition may be mimicked by hypoglycemia?

A

Intoxication

7
Q

What blood glucose level is considered normal for an adult?

A

60-140 mg/dL

8
Q

What is the most common cause of seizures in adults?

A

Failure to take prescribed medication

9
Q

32-yr-old female, having a seizure, drowsy, confused, headache. Which seizure phase is presented?

A

Postictal phase

10
Q

Define status epilepticus.

A

2 or more seizures with tonic-clonic activity w/o an intervening period of consciousness

11
Q

What is a standardized test to evaluate a conscious patient for possible stroke?

A

Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale

12
Q

What are 3 items of the Cincinnati Stroke Test?

A

Test for equal grip strength, ask the patient to smile, test the patient for arm droop or lack of movement

13
Q

Describe the duration of status epilepticus.

A

The patient as 2 or more convulsive seizures lasting 2-3 minutes or more w/o regaining full consciousness.

14
Q

Diabetic emergencies are usually caused by what?

A

Poor management of the patient’s diabetes.

15
Q

What are signs of a hypoglycemic diabetic emergency?

A

Combativeness, anxiety, cold and clammy skin