Acute & Chronic Illnesses

Question 1

What are some general S/S of sudden illness?

Answer 1

1. Changes in LOR
2. Vertigo
3. Generalized weakness
4. Nausea/vomitting
5. Looks/feels ill without trauma
6. Changes in pulse/skin characteristics

Question 2

What is Syncope?

Answer 2

Fainting

Occurs when the brain is suddenly deprived of normal blood flow, and shuts down.

Question 3

What denotes a Diabetic emergency?

Answer 3

Diabetes Mellitis is a condition in which the body either fails to produce enough Insulin or does not effectively use what it does make.

Poor monitoring of diet and exercise can cause Hypo/Hyperglycemia and if left untreated can regress into a diabetic coma.

Question 4

What is Gestational Diabetes?

Answer 4

Diabetes that is developed in women during pregnancy due to increased physiological demands.

Often blood glucose levels return to normal post pregnancy, but are at risk of developing diabetes later in life.

Question 5

What are 4 reasons why one may become hypoglycemic?

Answer 5

1. Too much insulin
2. Improper nutrition
3. Over exercising
4. Emotional stress (high glucose consumption occurs in brain)

Question 6

How does Hyperglycemia devolve?

Answer 6

Because there is not enough insulin in the blood to move glucose to the cells, the body switches its fuel source to lipids. This can cause an accumulation of ketones and eventually excessive waste causing blood pH to drop. If it persists, can deteriorate into a diabetic coma.

Question 7

What are some common S/S of a Diabetic emergency? (Hypo/Hyperglycemia present the same)

Answer 7

1. Changes in LOR
2. Dizziness, drowsiness, confusion
3. Tachypnea
4. Tachycardia
5. Look of illness/intoxication

Question 8

What are the standard blood glucose targets before and after eating?

Answer 8

Prior to eating: 4-6mmol/L
2 hours post eating: 5-10mmol/L

Question 9

What is a good practice in treating diabetic emergencies?

Answer 9

If someone is Hypoglycemic, sugar will help balance their blood glucose levels.

If someone is hyperglycemic, ingesting sugar will not cause harm.

Encouraging ingestion of sugary food and drink will either help or NOT HINDER.

Question 10

What is a Seizure?

Answer 10

Abnormal electrical activity in the brain which can cause temporary changes in mvmt, fxn, sensation, awareness and/or behaviour.

Question 11

What are the different categories of seizures?

Answer 11

1. Generalized (Grand Mal)
2. Absent (Petit Mal)
3. Partial
4. Febrile
5. Status Epilepticus

Question 12

What are the 4 phases of a Grand Mal seizure?

Answer 12

1. Aura
2. Tonic
3. Clonic
4. Postictal

Question 13

What are the 3 principals for caring for someone having a seizure?

Answer 13

1. Protect yourself
2. Protect the patient
3. Protect the airway