2- Endocrine Emergencies Flashcards
Pt with a hx of T1DM presents with diaphoresis, blurry vision, weakness, irritability, and confusion. PE shows tachycardia. What are you concerned for?
Hypoglycemia
What value is defined as hypoglycemia?
< 70 mg/ dL
Delay in eating, poor caloric intake, increased or unusual physical exertion, increased physiologic stress, impaired counter-regulatory hormone axis, alterations in therapeutic regimen, accidental excessive dose of exogenous insulin, variable insulin absorption at injection site, and excessive insulin release caused by sulfonylurea are possible causes of what?
Hypoglycemia
Is hypoglycemia more common in T1 or T2DM?
T1
What is the tx for asx hypoglycemia (drug-treated DM and glucose < 70)?
Defensive actions
(repeat measurements, avoid critical tasks, ingest carbs, adjust tx regimen)
What is the tx for a pt who is hypoglycemia but awake?
15-20g oral carbohydrate followed by long acting carb
(raises blood sugar to a safe level w/o inducing hyperglycemia)
What is the pt who is severely hypoglycemia and has AMS who is unable to safely swallow oral glucose?
Subcutaneous or IM injection of 0.5- 1.0mg of glucagon
What is a SE of subcutaneous of IM injection of glucagon in the tx of hypoglycemia?
N/V
Aside from tx with subcutaneous/ IM glucagon, how can severe hypoglycemia be treated more quickly?
25g of 50% glucose (dextrose) intravenously, followed by subsequent glucose infusion or food (if possible)
Stroke-like sxs evident on a focal neuro exam of a pt with hypoglycemia will likely resolve with what?
Resolution of hypoglycemia
Under what circumstances would a pt with hypoglycemia need to be admitted?
If due to sulfonylurea
(half life of drug makes reoccurence very likely)
Pt presents with severe abd pain, vomiting, confusion, and frequent urination. On PE you note an unusual, “fruity” odor to breath. What might you be concerned for?
Hyperglycemia/ DKA
What diagnostics/ labs should be ordered for a pt if there is suspicion for hyperglycemia/ DKA?
CBC, CMP, EKG, urine
What will CMP and UA show for a pt in hyperglycemia/ DKA?
Bicarb decreased = metabolic acidosis
UA (+) for ketones
How will anion gap appear for a pt with hyperglycemia/ DKA?
Elevated anion gap
What are the 2 types of hyperglycemic crises seen in pts with DM?
DKA and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS)
What are the 2 most common precipitating causes of DKA and HHS? (hyperglycemic crises in DM)
Infection and insulin omission
Pt presents with abd pain/ N/V, Kussmal respirations (hyperventilation), hypotension, metabolic acidosis, elevated glucose, hypotension/ shock/ dehydration, and elevated serum ketones. What are you concerned for?
DKA
Pt presents with falsely lowered sodium, low chloride and bicarb, elevated BUN/Cr, anion gap, WBC, acidosis on ABG, evidence of MI on EKG, electrolyte abns, arrhythmias, and evidence of stroke on head CT. What are you concerned for and what additional, more specific, lab values would support this dx?
DKA
- Glucose: 350-500 mg/dL
- Ketones: urine and serum (+)
- K+ levels changing
(glucose cannot be only finding to dx)
How will K+ levels change from presentation and w/ treatment for DKA?
- @ presentation- elevated (insulin def and hyperosmolality = K+ movement out of cells into EC fluid)
- w/ treatment- K+ falls (must monitor and prepare for supplementation)
What are the therapeutic goals for tx of DKA aside from dx, ABCs, restore circulatory volume, correct serum osmolarity, correct electrolytes and anion gap, and tx underlying condition?
Reverse ketogenesis, not attain normoglycemia (although you still want to reduce blood glucose)
What is included in the management of DKA aside from ABCs and correct electrolyte disorders? (4)
- Isotonic saline (0.9 NS) IV
- Control blood glucose
- Reverse acidosis and ketogenesis
- Aggressive IV fluids
How do you reverse acidosis/ ketogenesis in DKA?
Insulin bolus IV vs continuous IV insulin infusion
What is included in fluid management for DKA?
- 15-20 mL/ kg lean body weight per hour (monitor urine output)
- Add dextrose to saline when blood glucose reaches 200-250 mg/dL
What should you NOT use to tx patients in DKA because K+ will go into cell?
Bicarb (also may slow the rate of ketosis/ accelerate ketogenesis)
What are the complications of bicarb used to raise pH levels in DKA? (4)
Hypernatremia, hypokalemia, paradoxical CSF acidosis, residual serum alkalosis
The following is the pathophysiology for what complication with the use bicarb to tx patients in DKA:
Increased uptake of CO2 by cells = IC cerebral acidosis = neuro deterioration = edema/ brain damage
Paradoxical CSF acidosis
What is the one setting where bicarb is an appropriate tx for DKA?
Significant hyperkalemia (lowers K+ quickly)
What is the mainstay of reversing ketoacidosis?
Fluid admin + insulin
In treating a pt with ketoacidosis with insulin infusion… do you stop insulin infusion when glucose normalizes?
NOT if there is still elevated anion gap