Ch 22 Diabetic Emergencies and Altered Mental Status Flashcards
Series of neurologic circuits in the brain that control the functions of staying awake, paying attention, and sleeping
Reticular activating system (RAS)
A form of sugar; the body’s basic source of energy
Glucose
A hormone produced by the pancreas, or taken as a medication by many diabetics
Insulin
The condition brought about by decreased insulin production or the inability of the body cells to use insulin properly
Diabetes mellitus
Low blood sugar
Hypoglycemia
High blood sugar
Hyperglycemia
A condition that occurs as the result of hyperglycemia, characterized by dehydration, altered mental status, and shock
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
A sudden change in sensation, behavior, or movement; the most severe form produces violent muscle contractions called convulsions
Seizure
A seizure that affects only one part or one side of the brain
Partial seizure
A seizure that affects both sides of the brain
Generalized seizure
A generalized seizure in which the patient loses consciousness and has jerking movements of paired muscle groups
Tonic-clonic seizure
The period of time immediately following a tonic-clonic seizure in which the patient goes from full loss of consciousness to full mental status
Postictal phase
A sensation experienced by a seizure patient right before the seizure, which might be a smell, sound, or general feeling
Aura
A medical condition that causes seizures
Epilepsy
A prolonged seizure or situation when a person suffers two or more convulsive seizures without regaining full consciousness
Status epilepticus
