Chapter 17: Endocrine and Hematologic Emergencies

Question 1

Assessment and intervention in a hematologic emergency should include all of the following except:

• pulse oximetry.
• supplemental oxygen.
• systemic examination.
• oral glucose.

Answer 1

• oral glucose.

Question 2

Which of the following is not a potential complication of sickle cell disease?

• jaundice
• osteomyelitis
• hyperglycemia
• retinopathy

Answer 2

• hyperglycemia

Question 3

_______ is a genetic disorder in which the body is not able to control bleeding by developing spontaneous clots as normal.

Answer 3

hemophilia

Question 4

______ is a contraindication to the administration of oral glucose?

Answer 4

unconsciousness

Question 5

Kussmaul respirations are:

Answer 5

deep/rapid breaths

Question 6

Normal blood glucose level is 80 to 120 mg/dL. What level of glucose causes excess glucose to be excreted by the kidney?

Answer 6

200 mg/dL

Question 7

Regarding characteristics of diabetic emergencies, the hypoglycemic patient’s blood pressure will be:

Answer 7

normal to low

Question 8

Regarding characteristics of diabetic emergencies, the skin condition of a patient with hyperglycemia will be:

Answer 8

warm and dry

Question 9

Patients with altered mental status should be placed in a lateral recumbent position and you should make sure that

Answer 9

a suction is readily available

Question 10

Diabetics often suffer from medical complications. Which of the following is not an expected complication?

• cardiovascular disease
• ulcers or infections of the feet and toes
• large or oversized arteries
• visual disturbances

Answer 10

• large or oversized arteries

Question 11

An altered mental status may be caused by all of the following, except:

• intoxication.
• poisoning.
• vomiting.
• head injury.

Answer 11

• vomiting.

Question 12

Managing problems related to diabetes and altered mental status poses very little risk to the EMT. You must do all the following, except:

• use gloves.
• wash your hands carefully.
• follow standard precautions.
• check mouth, tongue, and inside cheeks for any bleeding.

Answer 12

• check mouth, tongue, and inside cheeks for any bleeding.

Question 13

For a conscious patient in insulin shock, protocols usually recommend:

Answer 13

oral glucose

Question 14

If a diabetic patient has taken insulin but has not eaten, the problem is more likely to be:

Answer 14

insulin shock

Question 15

___ diabetes is characterized by an absence of insulin production

Answer 15

type 1

Question 16

what is the role of insulin

Answer 16

it allows glucose to enter the cells

Question 17

if insulin is unavailable for glucose to enter cells what will the body use for fuel

Answer 17

fat

Question 18

true or false: diabetic coma can be caused by too little glucose in the blood

Answer 18

false

Question 19

physical findings associated with ______

kussmaul respirations, dehydration, sweet breath, thready pulse, normal or low BP, AMS

Answer 19

hyperglycemia

Question 20

3 medical emergencies that may be mistaken for diabtetes

Answer 20

AMS, seizures, and alcohol intoxication

Question 21

two main components of blood

Answer 21

cells and plasma

Question 22

type of hemoglobin normal RBC contain

Answer 22

hemoglobin type a

Question 23

primary intervention for patients suffering from hematologic crisis

Answer 23

supplemental oxygen via NRB at 12-15L/min