ECare - Chapter 19 (Diabetic Emergencies and Altered Mental Status)

Question 1

reticular activating system

Answer 1

series of neurologic circuits in the brain that control functions of staying awake, paying attention, and sleeping

Question 2

common cause of altered mental status

Answer 2

hypoxia

Question 3

difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Answer 3

type 1: not enough insulin is being produced

type 2: insulin is used improperly

Question 4

causes of hypoglycemia

Answer 4

too much insulin, not enough sugar, overexercise, vomit a meal, increase metabolic rate

Question 5

diabetic ketoacidosis

Answer 5

high blood sugar along with dehydration, altered mental status, and shock

Question 6

symptoms of a diabetic emergency

Answer 6

1. rapid onset of altered mental status
2. intoxicated appearance
3. cold, clammy skin
4. high heart rate
5. hunger

Question 7

differences between hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia: onset

Answer 7

hyper: slower onset
hypo: fast onlset

Question 8

differences between hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia: skin

Answer 8

hyper: warm, red, dry
hypo: cold, pale, moist/clammy

Question 9

differences between hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia: breath

Answer 9

hyper: acetone breath
hypo: no acetone breath

Question 10

differences between hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia: other

Answer 10

hyper: sympathetic NS activated

Question 11

sepsis

Answer 11

severe infection affecting the whole body

Question 12

three most common infections associated with sepsis

Answer 12

respiratory infections and pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin/wound infections

Question 13

symptoms of sepsis

Answer 13

1. altered mental status
2. increase heart rate
3. increase respiratory rate
4. low blood pressure
5. high blood glucose levels
6. decreased capillary refill time

shock is big indicatory

Question 14

seizure

Answer 14

sudden change in sensation, behavior, or movement

Question 15

partial seizures

Answer 15

seizure affecting only one part or one side of the brain

Question 16

generalized seizure

Answer 16

seizure affecting both sides of the brain

Question 17

tonic-clonic seizure

Answer 17

generalized seizure where patient loses consciousness and has jerking movements

Question 18

tonic phase

Answer 18

body is rigid and stiffens no more than 30 seconds. breathing may stop. tongue may be bitten and bowel/bladder control could be lost
begins when convulsions stop

Question 19

clonic phase

Answer 19

body jerks about violently, usually for no more than 1-2 minutes. foam may be at the mouth and drool. possible cyanosis

Question 20

postictal phase:

Answer 20

begins when convulsions stop. may regain consciousness and get drowsiness and confusion. headaches is common

Question 21

aura

Answer 21

sensation experienced by a seizure patient right before the seizure, which might be a small, sound, or general feeling

Question 22

most common cause of seizure in adults

Answer 22

failure to take antiseizure meds

Question 23

most common cause of seizure in children

Answer 23

high fever

Question 24

patient care for seizure disorder

Answer 24

1. place on floor on the side
2. loosen restrictive clothing
3. remove harmful objects away from patient
4. protect patient from injury

Question 25

post seizure care

Answer 25

1. protect airway
2. open airway or give oxygen if necessary
3. treat injuries patient received during convulsions
4. transport

Question 26

status epilepticus

Answer 26

prolonged seizure or situation when a person suffers two or more convulsive seizures without regaining full consciousness

Question 27

stroke

Answer 27

altered function caused when an artery in the brain is blocked/ruptured; disrupting supply of blood or causing bleeding to brain

Question 28

patient assessment for stroke

Answer 28

ask patient to smile, close eyes and extend arms in front of them (pals up) for 10 secs, and say a sentence

Question 29

syncope

Answer 29

fainting

Question 30

causes of fizziness and syncope

Answer 30

cardiovascular, hypovolemic, metabolic and structural causes, environmental

Question 31

patient care for dizziness and syncope

Answer 31

1. give oxygen if needed
2. call ALS if signs of instability
3. loosen tight clothing around neck
4. lay patient flat
5. treat injuries from the fall if necessary

Question 32

patient care for stroke: conscious patient with patent airway

Answer 32

1. monitor airway and give oxygen if needed

2. transport and thrombolytic drug if qualified

Question 33

patient care for stroke: patient with blocked airway

Answer 33

1. open airway and give oxygen

2. transport and thrombolytic drug if qualified