Hyperglycemic Emergencies

Question 1

High blood sugar level, 140 mg/dL and above

Answer 1

Hyperglycemia

Question 2

Cause of Rapid Hyperglycemia

Answer 2

Intake of sugar or carbohydrate rich foods

Question 3

Cause of Gradual Hyperglycemia

Answer 3

infection or illness

Question 4

high blood sugar levels (350 mg/dL or more) and the build up of acids in the body because of the absence of insulin

Answer 4

DKA

Question 5

Signs/Symptoms of DKA

Answer 5

Polyuria
Polydipsia
Polyphagia
Nausea & Vomiting
Tachycardia
Kussmaul Respirations
Fruity odor of breath
ABD pain

Question 6

Waste product of the body metabolizing fat for energy

Answer 6

Ketones

Question 7

Hormones That Elevate Blood Sugar Level

Answer 7

Cortisol, catecholamines, glucagon

Question 8

very high blood sugar levels, highly concentrated blood as a result of dehydration, but no significant ketosis

Answer 8

HHS (hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome)

Question 9

Onset of HHS vs. DKA

Answer 9

DKA is a more rapid onset, progressing over a few hours or a few days
HHS is slower in onset, progressing over days to weeks

Question 10

Why Are Kussmaul Respirations Found In a Patient With DKA?

Answer 10

Kussmaul Respirations allow for the body to more effectively exhale off CO2, decreasing the acidosis