19. Endocrine/Hematologic Emergencies

Question 1

A pathologic condition that results from the accumulation of acids in the body.

Answer 1

acidosis

Question 2

A metabolic disorder in which the ability to metabolize carbs is impaired, usually due to a lack of insulin.

Answer 2

diabetes mellitus

Question 3

A form of hypoglycemia in uncontrolled diabetes in which certain acids accumulate when insulin is not available.

Answer 3

diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

Question 4

Glands that secrete or release chemicals that are used inside the body.

Answer 4

endocrine glands

Question 5

Regulates metabolism and maintains homeostasis.

Answer 5

endocrine system

Question 6

One of the basic sugars; it is primary fuel, in conjunction with oxygen, for cellular metabolism.

Answer 6

glucose

Question 7

The study and prevention of blood-related disorders.

Answer 7

hematology

Question 8

A congenital abnormality in which the body is unable to produce clots, which results in uncontrollable bleeding.

Answer 8

hemophilia

Question 9

A chemical substance produced by a gland that regulates the activity of organs and tissues.

Answer 9

hormone

Question 10

An abnormally high blood glucose level.

Answer 10

hyperglycemia

Question 11

A life-threatening condition resulting from high blood glucose that typically occurs in older adults, and which causes altered mental status, dehydration, and organ damage.

Answer 11

hyperosmolar hyperglycemia nonketotic syndrome (HHNS)

Question 12

An abnormally low blood glucose level.

Answer 12

hypoglycemia

Question 13

A hormone produced by the islets of Langerhans that enables glucose in the blood to enter cells; used in synthetic form to treat and control diabetes mellitus.

Answer 13

insulin

Question 14

Deep, rapid breathing; usually the result of an accumulation of certain acids when insulin in not available in the body.

Answer 14

Kussmaul respirations

Question 15

excessive thirst; often result of excessive urination

Answer 15

polydipsia

Question 16

excessive eating; in diabetes, the inability to use glucose properly can cause a sense of hunger.

Answer 16

polyphagia

Question 17

The passage of an unusually large volume of urine in a given period; in diabetes, this can result from the wasting of glucose in the urine.

Answer 17

polyuria

Question 18

A heredity disease that causes normal, round red blood cells to become oblong, or sickle shaped.

Answer 18

sickle cell disease

Question 19

A state of unconsciousness resulting from several problems, including ketoacidosis, dehydration because of excessive urination, and hyperglycemia.

Answer 19

symptomatic hyperglycemia

Question 20

Severe hypoglycemia resulting in changes in mental status.

Answer 20

symptomatic hypoglycemia

Question 21

A tendency toward the development of blood clots as a result of an abnormality of the system of coagulation.

Answer 21

thrombophilia

Question 22

A blood clot, either in the arterial or venous system.

Answer 22

thrombosis

Question 23

An autoimmune disorder in which the individual’s immune system produces antibodies to the pancreatic beta cells, and therefore the pancreas cannot produce insulin; onset in early childhood is common.

Answer 23

type 1 diabetes

Question 24

A condition in which insulin resistance develops in response to increased blood glucose levels; can be managed by exercise and diet modification, but is often managed by medications.

Answer 24

type 2 diabetes

Question 25

Ischemia and pain caused by sickle-shaped red blood cells that obstruct blood flow to a portion of the body.

Answer 25

vasoocclusive crisis