Diabetic Emergencies and Altered Mental Status Flashcards
What is an action of insulin?
It increases the movement of sugar from the bloodstream to the cell.
For the reticular activating system to work correctly, what 3 substances are needed?
Oxygen to perfuse brain tissue, glucose to nourish brain tissue, and water to keep the brain hydrated.
The condition in which there is an insufficient amount of sugar in the blood is called what?
Hypoglycemia
What loss of fluids and solids may result in hypoglycemia in the diabetic patient?
Vomiting after eating a meal
How does hypoglycemia differ from hyperglycemia in regards to onset?
Hyperglycemia’s onset is more gradual
What condition may be mimicked by hypoglycemia?
Intoxication
What blood glucose level is considered normal for an adult?
60-140 mg/dL
What is the most common cause of seizures in adults?
Failure to take prescribed medication
32-yr-old female, having a seizure, drowsy, confused, headache. Which seizure phase is presented?
Postictal phase
Define status epilepticus.
2 or more seizures with tonic-clonic activity w/o an intervening period of consciousness
What is a standardized test to evaluate a conscious patient for possible stroke?
Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale
What are 3 items of the Cincinnati Stroke Test?
Test for equal grip strength, ask the patient to smile, test the patient for arm droop or lack of movement
Describe the duration of status epilepticus.
The patient as 2 or more convulsive seizures lasting 2-3 minutes or more w/o regaining full consciousness.
Diabetic emergencies are usually caused by what?
Poor management of the patient’s diabetes.
What are signs of a hypoglycemic diabetic emergency?
Combativeness, anxiety, cold and clammy skin
