chapter 17

Chapter 17Chapter 17Chapter 17Chapter 17

Endocrine and Hematologic Emergencies

National EMS Education National EMS Education Standard Competencies Standard Competencies (1 of 3)(1 of 3)

Medicine

Applies fundamental knowledge to provide basic emergency care and transportation based on assessment findings for an acutely ill patient.

Endocrine Disorders

• Awareness that: – Diabetic emergencies cause altered mental

status

• Anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, assessment, and management of: – Acute diabetic emergencies

Hematology

• Anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, assessment, and management of:– Sickle cell crisis

– Clotting disorders

Introduction (1 of 2)Introduction (1 of 2)

• Endocrine system affects nearly every: – Cell

– Organ

– Bodily function

• Endocrine disorders can have many signs and symptoms.

Introduction (2 of 2)Introduction (2 of 2)

• Hematologic emergencies– Rare in most EMS systems

– Difficult to assess and treat

– EMT offers support and may save life

Anatomy and PhysiologyAnatomy and Physiology

• Endocrine system is a complex message and control system.– Glands secrete hormones.

– Hormones are chemical messengers.

– System maintains homeostasis

Pathophysiology (1 of 2)Pathophysiology (1 of 2)

• Diabetes affects the body’s ability to use glucose (sugar) for fuel.

• Occurs in about 7% of the population

• Complications include blindness, cardiovascular disease, and kidney failure.

• As an EMT, you need to know signs and symptoms of blood glucose that is:– High (hyperglycemia)

– Low (hypoglycemia)

• Central problem in diabetes is lack, or ineffective action, of insulin.

Types of Diabetes (1 of 4)Types of Diabetes (1 of 4)

• Diabetes mellitus: “sweet diabetes”

• Diabetes insipidus: excessive urination

• Type 1 and type 2 diabetes both:– Are equally serious

– Affect many tissues and functions

– Require life-long management.

• Type 1 patients do not produce insulin.– Need daily injections of insulin

– Typically develops during childhood

– Patients more likely to have metabolic problems and organ damage

– Considered an autoimmune problem

• Type 2 patients produce inadequate amounts of insulin, or normal amount that does not function effectively.– Usually appears later in life

– Treatment may be diet, exercise, oral medications, or insulin.

• Severity of diabetic complications depends on patient’s average blood glucose level and when diabetes began.

• Obesity increases the risk of diabetes.

The Role of Glucose and Insulin (1 of 8)

• Glucose is a major source of energy for the body.

• Insulin is needed to allow glucose to enter cells (except for brain cells).– A “cellular key”

• Classic symptoms of uncontrolled diabetes (“3 Ps”):– Polyuria: frequent, plentiful urination

– Polydipsia: frequent drinking to satisfy continuous thirst

– Polyphagia: excessive eating

• When glucose is unavailable, the body turns to other energy sources.– Fat is most abundant.

– Using fat for energy results in buildup of ketones and fatty acids in blood and tissue.

• Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)– A form of acidosis seen in uncontrolled diabetes

– Without insulin, certain acids accumulate.

– More common in type 1 diabetes

– Signs and symptoms:

• Weakness

• Nausea

• DKA– Signs and symptoms (cont’d):

• Weak, rapid pulse

• Kussmaul respirations

• Sweet breath

– Can progress to coma and death

• Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic (HHNC) nonketotic coma– More often caused by type 2 diabetes

– Slower, more gradual onset than DKA

– No sweet-smelling breath

– Excessive urination results in dehydration.

Source: Accu-Chek® Aviva used with permission of Roche Diagnostics.

Blood glucose monitoring kit

Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia (1 of 3)

• Both lead to diabetic emergencies.

• Hyperglycemia: Blood glucose is above normal.– Result of lack of insulin

– Untreated, results in DKA

• Hypoglycemia: Blood glucose is below normal.– Untreated, results in unresponsiveness and

hypoglycemic crisis

• Signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia are similar.

Hyperglycemic Crisis (1 of 3)Hyperglycemic Crisis (1 of 3)

• Hyperglycemic crisis (diabetic coma) is a state of unconsciousness resulting from:– Ketoacidosis

– Hyperglycemia

– Dehydration

– Excess blood glucose

• Can occur in diabetic patients:– Not under medical treatment

– Who have taken insufficient insulin

– Who have markedly overeaten

– Under stress due to infection, illness, overexertion, fatigue, or alcohol

• If untreated, can result in death

• Treatment may take hours in a well-controlled hospital setting.

Hypoglycemic Crisis (1 of 3)Hypoglycemic Crisis (1 of 3)

• Hypoglycemic crisis (insulin shock) is caused by insufficient levels of glucose in the blood.

• Can occur in insulin-dependent patients:– Who have taken too much insulin

– Who have taken a regular dose of insulin but have not eaten enough food

Hypoglycemic Crisis (2 of 3)Hypoglycemic Crisis (2 of 3)

• Can occur in insulin-dependent patients (cont’d):– Who have engaged in vigorous activity and

used up all available glucose

– Who have vomited a meal after taking insulin

• Insufficient glucose supply to the brain

Hypoglycemic Crisis (3 of 3)

• If untreated, it can produce unconscious-ness and death.

• Quickly reversed by giving glucose

Patient Assessment of Diabetes

• Patient assessment steps– Scene size-up

– Primary assessment

– History taking

– Secondary assessment

– Reassessment

Scene Size-upScene Size-up

• Scene safety

– Diabetic patients often use syringes for insulin.

– Use gloves and eye protection at a minimum.

• Mechanism of injury (MOI)/nature of illness (NOI)

– Remember, trauma may also have occurred.

Primary Assessment (1 of 4)Primary Assessment (1 of 4)

• Form a general impression.

– Other medical or trauma emergencies may be responsible for diabetic patient’s symptoms

• Airway and breathing

– Be alert for Kussmaul respirations and sweet, fruity breath (DKA).

• Airway and breathing (cont’d)

– Hypoglycemic patients will have normal or shallow to rapid respirations.

– Manage respiratory distress.

• Circulation

– Dry, warm skin: hyperglycemia

– Moist, pale skin: hypoglycemia

– Rapid, weak pulse: hyperglycemic crisis

• Transport decision

– Provide prompt transport for patients with altered mental status and inability to swallow

– Further evaluate conscious patients capable of swallowing and able to maintain airway

History Taking (1 of 3)History Taking (1 of 3)

• Investigate chief complaint

– Obtain history of present illness from responsive patient, family, or bystanders.

– If patient has eaten but not taken insulin, hyperglycemia is more likely.

• Investigate chief complaint (cont’d)

– If patient has taken insulin but not eaten, hypoglycemia is more likely.

– Carefully observe signs and symptoms; determine whether hypo- or hyperglycemic.

• SAMPLE history—Has the patient:

– Taken insulin or pills to lower blood sugar?

– Taken his or her usual dose today?

– Eaten normally?

– Experienced illness, unusual amount of activity, or stress?

Secondary Assessment (1 of 2)Secondary Assessment (1 of 2)

• Physical examination

– Full-body scan

– Focus on mental status, ability to swallow, and ability to protect airway.

Secondary Assessment (2 of 2)Secondary Assessment (2 of 2)

• Vital signs– Obtain complete set of vital signs.

• Use available monitoring devices (eg, glucometer, pulse oximeter).

• Normal blood glucose: 80 to 120 mg/dL

Reassessment (1 of 4)Reassessment (1 of 4)

• Interventions– Reassess patient frequently.

– Provide indicated interventions.

• Hypoglycemic, conscious, can swallow:– Encourage patient to drink juice.

– Administer oral glucose (if protocols allow).

– Provide rapid transport.

• Interventions (cont’d)

– Hypoglycemic, unconscious, risk of aspiration:

• Patient needs intravenous (IV) glucose or intramuscular (IM) glucagon (beyond EMT competencies).

• Provide rapid transport.

• Interventions (cont’d).

– Unconscious, known diabetic:

• If hypoglycemic, give oral glucose (if protocols allow).

• If hyperglycemic, patient needs insulin and IV fluid therapy (beyond EMT competencies).

– When in doubt, give glucose (if protocols allow).

• Communication and Documentation– Coordinate communication and documentation

– Inform receiving hospital about prehospital patient assessment and care.

Emergency Medical Care for Diabetic Emergencies (1 of 2)

• Oral glucose– Commercially

available gel given to increase blood glucose

– Follow local protocols for administration (Skill Drill 17-1).

Source: Courtesy of Paddock Laboratories, Inc.

Emergency Medical Care for Diabetic Emergencies (2 of 2)

• Oral glucose (cont’d)– Contraindications: inability to swallow and

unconsciousness

– Wear gloves before putting anything in patient’s mouth.

Problems Associated With Diabetes (1 of 7)

• Seizures– Rarely life threatening

– May indicate an underlying condition

– Consider trauma and hypoglycemia as causes.

– Ensure airway is clear.

– Place patient on side.

• Seizures (cont’d)– Put nothing in patient’s mouth.

– Have suctioning equipment ready.

– Provide oxygen or artificial ventilations for inadequate respirations or cyanosis.

– Transport promptly.

• Altered mental status– May be caused by diabetes complications

– May be caused by other conditions (poisoning, head injury, postictal state, or decreased brain perfusion)

– Ensure airway is clear.

• Altered mental status (cont’d)– Be prepared to provide artificial ventilations and

suctioning if patient vomits.

– Provide prompt transport.

• Alcoholism– Symptoms mistaken for intoxication

• Alcoholism (cont’d)– Especially common when symptoms result in a

motor vehicle crash or other incident

– Confined by police in a “drunk tank,” the diabetic patient is at risk.

– Look for emergency medical identification bracelet, necklace, or card.

• Alcoholism (cont’d)– Perform blood glucose test at scene (if

protocols allow) or emergency department.

– Diabetes and alcoholism can coexist in a patient.

• Airway management– Patients with altered mental status can lose gag

reflex.

– Vomit or tongue may obstruct airway.

– Carefully monitor airway.

– Place patient in lateral recumbent position.

– Make sure suction is available.

Hematologic EmergenciesHematologic Emergencies

• Hematology is the study and prevention of blood-related diseases.

• Blood is “the fluid of life.”– Understanding it helps understand disorders.

Anatomy and PhysiologyAnatomy and Physiology

• Blood is made up of cells and plasma.– Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, which

carries oxygen to the tissues.

– White blood cells “clean” the body.

– Platelets are essential for clot formation.

– Plasma transports blood cells.

• Sickle cell disease– Inherited disorder, affects red blood cells

– Predominant in African Americans and persons of Mediterranean descent

– Red blood cells are sickle or oblong shaped, contain hemoglobin S, are poor oxygen carriers, and live for only 16 days.

• Sickle cell disease (cont’d)– May cause hypoxia; swelling or rupture of blood

vessels or spleen; and death

– Four main types of sickle cell crises:

• Vaso-occlusive crisis

• Aplastic crisis

• Hemolytic crisis

• Splenic sequestration crisis

• Sickle cell disease (cont’d)– Vaso-occlusive crisis

• Blood flow to organs is restricted

– Aplastic crisis

• Worsening of baseline anemia

– Hemolytic crisis

• Acute, accelerated drop in hemoglobin level

– Splenic sequestration crisis

• Acute enlargement of spleen

• Sickle cell disease (cont’d)– Complications:

• Cerebral vascular attack

• Gallstones

• Jaundice

• Avascular necrosis

• Sickle cell disease (cont’d)– Complications (cont’d)

• Splenic infections

• Osteomyelitis

• Opiate tolerance

• Leg ulcers

• Sickle cell disease (cont’d)– Complications

(cont’d)

• Retinopathy

• Chronic pain

• Pulmonary hypertension

• Chronic renal failure

• Clotting disorders– Thrombosis

• Development of blood clot in blood vessel

– Thrombophilia

• Tendency to develop blood clots

• Blood-thinning medications used to treat

• Clotting disorders (cont’d)– Thrombophilia (cont’d)

• Not common in pediatric patients

• Risk factors: – Recent surgery, impaired mobility, congestive

heart failure, cancer, respiratory failure, infectious diseases, over 40 years of age, being overweight/ obesity, smoking, oral contraceptive use

• Clotting disorders (cont’d)– Hemophilia

• Congenital; impaired ability to form blood clots

• Predominant in males (1 per 5,000–10,000)

• Hemophilia A most common

• Hemophilia B second most common

• Clotting disorders (cont’d)– Hemophilia (cont’d)

• Signs and symptoms:– Spontaneous, acute, chronic bleeding

– Intracranial bleeding (major cause of death)

• During assessment, seriously consider injury/illness that can cause bleeding.

Patient Assessment of Hematologic Disorders Patient Assessment of Hematologic Disorders

• Patient assessment steps– Scene size-up

– Primary assessment

– History taking

– Secondary assessment

– Reassessment

Scene Size-upScene Size-up

• Scene safety

– Most sickle cell patients will have had a crisis before.

– Wear gloves and eye protection at a minimum.

• MOI/NOI

– Remember, trauma may also have occurred.

• Form a general impression.– Perform a rapid scan.

• Airway and breathing

– Inadequate breathing or altered mental status:

• High-flow oxygen at 12 to 15 L/min via NRB mask

• Airway and breathing (cont’d)

– Sickle cell crisis patients may have increased respirations or signs of pneumonia

– Manage respiratory distress.

• Circulation

– Sickle cell patients: increased pulse rate

– Hemophilia patients:

• Be alert for signs of acute blood loss.

• Note bleeding of unknown origin.

• Be alert for signs of hypoxia.

• Make a transport decision.

• Investigate chief complaint.

– Obtain history of present illness from responsive patients, family, or bystanders.

– Physical signs indicating sickle cell crisis:

• Swelling of fingers and toes

• Priapism

• Jaundice

• Assess pain using OPQRST mnemonic.

– Single location or felt throughout body?

– Visual disturbances?

– Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal cramping?

– Chest pain or shortness of breath?

• Obtain SAMPLE history from responsive patient or family member.

– Have you had a crisis before?

– When was the last time you had a crisis?

– How did your last crisis resolve?

– Recent illness, unusual amount of activity, or stress?

Secondary AssessmentSecondary Assessment

• Physical examination

– Focus on major joints.

– Determine level of consciousness (AVPU).

• Vital signs– Obtain complete set of vital signs.

• Look for signs of sickle cell crisis.

• Use pulse oximeter, if available.

• Reassess vital signs frequently.

• Interventions– Provide indicated interventions

– Reassess interventions

• Hospital care for sickle cell crisis:

– Analgesics, penicillin, IV fluid, blood transfusion

• Hospital care for hemophilia:

– IV therapy (for hypotension)

– Transfusion of plasma

• Coordinate communication and documentation.

Emergency Medical Care for Hematologic Disorders

• Mainly supportive and symptomatic

• Patients with inadequate breathing or altered mental status:

– Administer high-flow O2 at 12 to 15 L/min.

– Place in a position of comfort.

– Transport rapidly to hospital.

Summary Summary (1 of 12)(1 of 12)Summary Summary (1 of 12)(1 of 12)

• The endocrine system maintains stability in the body’s internal environment (homeostasis).

• Type 1 and type 2 diabetes involve abnormalities in the body’s ability to use glucose (sugar) for fuel.

• Polyuria (frequent, plentiful urination), polydipsia (frequent drinking to satisfy continuous thirst), and polyphagia (excessive eating due to cellular hunger) are common symptoms, or the “3 Ps,” of uncontrolled diabetes.

• Patients with diabetes have chronic complications that place them at risk for other diseases.

• Hyperglycemia is the result of a lack of insulin, causing high blood glucose levels.

• Hypoglycemia is a state in which the blood glucose level is below normal. Without treatment, permanent brain damage and death can occur.

• DKA is the buildup of ketones and fatty acids in the blood and body tissue that results when the body relies upon fat for energy.

• Hyperglycemic crisis (diabetic coma) is a state of unconsciousness resulting from DKA, hyperglycemia, and/or dehydration due to excessive urination.

• Hypoglycemic crisis (insulin shock) is caused by insufficient blood glucose levels. Treat quickly, by giving oral glucose (if protocols allow), to avoid brain damage.

• When assessing diabetic emergencies, err on the side of giving oral glucose (if protocols allow). Do not give oral glucose to patients who are unconscious or who cannot swallow properly and protect the airway. In all cases, provide rapid transport.

• Problems associated with diabetes include seizures, altered mental status, “intoxicated” appearance, and loss of a gag reflex, which affects airway management.

• Hematology is the study and prevention of blood-related disorders.

• Sickle cell disease is a blood disorder the affects the shape of red blood cells. Symptoms include joint pain, fever, respiratory distress, and abdominal pain.

• Hemoglobin A is considered normal hemoglobin. Hemoglobin S is considered an abnormal type of hemoglobin and is responsible for sickle cell crisis.

• Patients with sickle cell disease have chronic complications that place them at risk for other diseases, such as heart attack, stroke, and infection.

• Patients with hemophilia are not able to control bleeding.

• Emergency care in the prehospital setting is supportive for patients with sickle disease or a clotting disorder such as hemophilia.

ReviewReview

1. Type 1 diabetes is a condition in which:

A. too much insulin is produced.

B. glucose utilization is impaired.

C. too much glucose enters the cell.

D. the body does not produce glucose.

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Answer: B

Rationale: Type 1 diabetes is a disease in which the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin (or none at all). Insulin is a hormone that promotes the uptake of sugar from the bloodstream and into the cells. Without insulin, glucose utilization is impaired because it cannot enter the cell.

Review (1 of 2)Review (1 of 2)

A. too much insulin is produced.Rationale: The body only produces the amount of insulin that is needed to enable glucose to enter cells.

B. glucose utilization is impaired. Rationale: Correct answer

C. too much glucose enters the cell.Rationale: An abnormally high blood glucose level is known as hyperglycemia.

D. the body does not produce glucose.Rationale: Glucose is derived from the oral intake of carbohydrates. It is stored in different body structures and then metabolized by cells.

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2. A 45-year-old man with type 1 diabetes is found unresponsive. Which of the following questions is MOST important to ask his wife?

A. “Did he take his insulin today?”

B. “How long has he been a diabetic?”

C. “Has he seen his physician recently?”

D. “What kind of insulin does he take?”

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Answer: A

Rationale: All of these questions are important to ask the spouse of an unconscious diabetic. However, it is critical to ask if the patient took his insulin. This will help you differentiate hypoglycemic crisis from hyperglycemic crisis. For example, if the patient took his insulin and did not eat, or accidentally took too much insulin, you should suspect hypoglycemic crisis. If the patient did not take his insulin, you should suspect hyperglycemic crisis.

A. “Did he take his insulin today?”Rationale: Correct answer

B. “How long has he been a diabetic?”Rationale: This is useful SAMPLE history information.

C. “Has he seen his physician recently?”Rationale: This is also important SAMPLE history information.

D. “What kind of insulin does he take?”Rationale: This provides important information about a patient’s medications.

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3. A diabetic patient presents with a blood glucose level of 310 mg/dL and severe dehydration. The patient’s dehydration is the result of:A. excretion of glucose and water from the

kidneys.B. a deficiency of insulin that causes internal fluid

loss.C. an infection that often accompanies

hyperglycemia.D. an inability to produce energy because of

insulin depletion.

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Answer: A

Rationale: In severe hyperglycemia, the kidneys excrete excess glucose from the body. This process requires a large amount of water to accomplish; therefore, water is excreted with the glucose, resulting in dehydration.

3. A diabetic patient presents with a blood glucose level of 310 mg/dL and severe dehydration. The patient’s dehydration is the result of:

A. excretion of glucose and water from the kidneys.Rationale: Correct answer

B. a deficiency of insulin that causes internal fluid loss.Rationale: A lack of insulin will cause the glucose level to rise, and it is the glucose that causes the fluid loss.

C. an infection that often accompanies hyperglycemia.Rationale: An infection is an invasion of the body by an organism—glucose is not a foreign element.

D. an inability to produce energy because of insulin depletion. Rationale: A body’s inability to metabolize glucose does not cause a fever.

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4. Which combination of factors would MOST likely cause a hypoglycemic crisis in a diabetic patient?

A. Eating a meal and taking insulin

B. Skipping a meal and taking insulin

C. Eating a meal and not taking insulin

D. Skipping a meal and not taking insulin

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Answer: B

Rationale: The combination that would most likely cause a hypoglycemic crisis is skipping a meal and taking insulin. The patient will use up all available glucose in the bloodstream and become hypoglycemic. Left untreated, hypoglycemic crisis may cause permanent brain damage or even death.

A. Eating a meal and taking insulinRationale: This process will maintain the body’s glucose level.

B. Skipping a meal and taking insulinRationale: Correct answer

C. Eating a meal and not taking insulinRationale: Eating will cause the glucose levels to rise.

D. Skipping a meal and not taking insulinRationale: Glucose levels should remain the same but may be influenced by the patient’s metabolic rate or physical activities. This does not cause a hypoglycemic crisis.

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5. A 19-year-old diabetic male was found unresponsive on the couch by his roommate. After confirming that the patient is unresponsive, you should:

A. suction his oropharynx.

B. manually open his airway.

C. administer high-flow oxygen.

D. begin assisting his ventilations.

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Answer: B

Rationale: Immediately after determining that a patient is unresponsive, your first action should be to manually open his or her airway (eg, head tilt–chin lift, jaw-thrust). Use suction as needed to clear secretions from the patient’s mouth. After manually opening the airway and ensuring it is clear of obstructions, insert an airway adjunct and then assess the patient’s breathing.

A. suction his oropharynx. Rationale: After opening the airway, suction as needed to remove any secretions.

B. manually open his airway. Rationale: Correct answer

C. administer high-flow oxygen.Rationale: After opening the airway, provide oxygen if the patient’s breathing is adequate.

D. begin assisting his ventilations. Rationale: After opening the airway, assist with ventilations if the patient’s breathing is inadequate.

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6. What breathing pattern would you MOST likely encounter in a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?

A. Slow and shallow

B. Shallow and irregular

C. Rapid and deep

D. Slow and irregular

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Answer: C

Rationale: Kussmaul respirations—a rapid and deep breathing pattern seen in patients with DKA—indicates that the body is attempting to eliminate ketones via the respiratory system. A fruity or acetone breath odor is usually present in patients with Kussmaul respirations.

A. Slow and shallowRationale: Agonal respirations are seen with cerebral anoxia and may have an occasional gasp.

B. Shallow and irregularRationale: Agonal respirations are seen with cerebral anoxia and may have an occasional gasp.

C. Rapid and deepRationale: Correct answer

D. Slow and irregularRationale: Slow and irregular respiration results from increased intracranial pressure and can also have periods of apnea.

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7. A woman called EMS because her 12-year-old son, who had been experiencing excessive urination, thirst, and hunger for the past 36 hours, has an altered mental status and is breathing fast. You should be MOST suspicious for:A. low blood sugar. B. hypoglycemia. C. hypoglycemic crisis. D. hyperglycemic crisis.

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Answer: D

Rationale: The child is experiencing a hyperglycemic crisis secondary to severe hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemic crisis is characterized by a slow onset; excessive urination (polyuria), thirst (polydipsia), and hunger (polyphagia). Other signs include rapid, deep breathing with a fruity or acetone breath odor (Kussmaul respirations); a rapid, thready pulse; and an altered mental status.

7. A woman called EMS because her 12-year-old son, who had been experiencing excessive urination, thirst, and hunger for the past 36 hours, has an altered mental status and is breathing fast. You should be MOST suspicious for:

A. low blood sugar. Rationale: Low blood sugar does not cause frequent urination.

B. hypoglycemia. Rationale: Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar.

7. A woman called EMS because her 12-year-old son, who had been experiencing excessive urination, thirst, and hunger for the past 36 hours, has an altered mental status and is breathing fast. You should be MOST suspicious for:

C. hypoglycemic crisis. Rationale: Hypoglycemic crisis does not produce any of these symptoms.

D. hyperglycemic crisis. Rationale: Correct answer

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8. If the cells do not receive glucose, they will begin to metabolize:

A. fat.

B. acid.

C. sugar.

D. ketones.

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Answer: A

Rationale: If the body’s cells do not receive glucose, they will begin to metabolize the next most readily available substance—fat. Fat metabolism results in the production of ketoacids, which are released into the bloodstream (hence the term “ketoacidosis”).

A. fat.Rationale: Correct answer

B. acid.Rationale: Fatty acids are a by-product (waste product) of the metabolism of fat.

C. sugar. Rationale: Sugar is glucose.

D. ketones. Rationale: Ketones are a by-product (waste product) of the metabolism of fat.

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9. In contrast to a hyperglycemic crisis, a hypoglycemic crisis:

A. rarely presents with seizures.

B. presents over a period of hours to days.

C. should not routinely be treated with glucose.

D. usually responds immediately after treatment.

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Answer: D

Rationale: Hypoglycemic crisis usually responds immediately following treatment with glucose. Patients with hyperglycemic crisis generally respond to treatment gradually, within 6–12 hours following the appropriate treatment. Seizures can occur with both hyperglycemic crisis and hypoglycemic crisis, but are more common in patients with hypoglycemic crisis.

A. rarely presents with seizures.Rationale: Hypoglycemic crisis can produce seizures.

B. presents over a period of hours to days. Rationale: Hypoglycemic crisis has a rapid onset of symptoms (possible minutes).

C. should not routinely be treated with glucose.Rationale: Hypoglycemic crisis is always treated with glucose.

D. usually responds immediately after treatment.Rationale: Correct answer

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10. Patients with diabetic ketoacidosis experience polydipsia because:

A. they are dehydrated secondary to excessive urination.

B. the cells of the body are starved due to a lack of glucose.

C. fatty acids are being metabolized at the cellular level.

D. hyperglycemia usually causes severe internal water loss.

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Answer: A

Rationale: Severe hyperglycemia—which leads to diabetic ketoacidosis—causes the body to excrete large amounts of glucose and water. As a result, the patient becomes severely dehydrated, which leads to excessive thirst (polydipsia).

10. Patients with diabetic ketoacidosis experience polydipsia because:

A. they are dehydrated secondary to excessive urination. Rationale: Correct answer

B. the cells of the body are starved due to a lack of glucose. Rationale: True, but the lack of glucose does not cause thirst.

10. Patients with diabetic ketoacidosis experience polydipsia because:C. fatty acids are being metabolized at the

cellular level. Rationale: Fats are metabolized by the cells instead of glucose, which produces acids and ketones—thus the term ketoacidosis.

D. hyperglycemia usually causes severe internal water loss. Rationale: This is false. It causes water loss due to glucose being excreted (externally) in the urine solution.

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11. When dealing with hematologic disorders, the EMT must be familiar with the composition of blood. Which of the following is considered a hematologic disease?

A. Sickle cell disease

B. Hemophilia

C. Lou Gehrig’s disease

D. Both A and B

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Answer: D

Rationale: Hematology is the study and prevention of blood-related diseases, such as sickle cell disease and hemophilia.

A. Sickle cell diseaseRationale: Sickle cell disease is a hematologic disorder affecting the red blood cells.

B. HemophiliaRationale: Hemophilia is a hematologic disorder affecting the blood’s ability to clot.

C. Lou Gehrig’s diseaseRationale: Lou Gehrig’s disease affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

D. Both A and BRationale: Correct answer

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12. What are the two main components of blood?

A. Erythrocytes and hemoglobin

B. Cells and plasma

C. Leukocytes and white blood cells

D. Platelets and neutrophils

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Answer: B

Rationale: The blood is made up of two main components: cells and plasma. The cells in the blood include red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets. These cells are suspended in a straw-colored fluid called plasma.

A. Erythrocytes and hemoglobinRationale: Erythrocytes are a type of blood cell, and hemoglobin is a chemical that is contained within blood cells.

B. Cells and plasmaRationale: Correct answer

C. Leukocytes and white blood cellsRationale: Leukocytes are white blood cells, which are a type of blood cell.

D. Platelets and neutrophilsRationale: Platelets are a type of blood cell, and neutrophils are a type of white blood cell.

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13. The assessment of a patient with a hematologic disorder is the same as it is with all other patients an EMT will encounter. The EMT must perform a scene size-up, primary assessment, history taking, secondary assessment, and reassessment. In addition to obtaining a SAMPLE history, EMTs should ask which of the following questions?A. Have you had a crisis before?B. When was the last time you had a crisis?C. How did your crisis resolve?D. All of the above

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Answer: D

Rationale: SAMPLE is the mnemonic used in taking the history of all patients. In addition to asking the SAMPLE, EMTs should also ask about past crises.

13. The assessment of a patient with a hematologic disorder is the same as it is with all other patients an EMT will encounter. The EMT must perform a scene size-up, primary assessment, history taking, secondary assessment, and reassessment. In addition to obtaining a SAMPLE history, EMTs should ask which of the following questions?

A. Have you had a crisis before?Rationale: You should ask the patient this question.

B. When was the last time you had a crisis?Rationale: You should ask the patient this question.

13. The assessment of a patient with a hematologic disorder is the same as it is with all other patients an EMT will encounter. The EMT must perform a scene size-up, primary assessment, history taking, secondary assessment, and reassessment. In addition to obtaining a SAMPLE history, EMTs should ask which of the following questions?

C. How did your crisis resolve?Rationale: You should ask the patient this question.

D. All of the above Rationale: Correct answer

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14. Which one of the following is NOT an appropriate treatment for EMTs to provide to a patient who has a hematologic disorder?A. Analgesics for pain

B. Support of symptoms

C. High-flow oxygen therapy at 12 to 15 L/min

D. Rapid transport

ReviewReview

Answer: A

Rationale: Although analgesics would benefit a patient suffering from a hematologic disorder, the administration of such medications is not in the scope of practice for the EMT. ALS providers would have to be present to provide this emergency care.

14. Which one of the following is NOT an appropriate treatment for EMTs to provide to a patient who has a hematologic disorder?A. Analgesics for pain

Rationale: Correct answer

B. Support of symptomsRationale: This is an appropriate treatment.

14. Which one of the following is NOT an appropriate treatment for EMTs to provide to a patient who has a hematologic disorder?C. High-flow oxygen therapy at 12 to

15 L/minRationale: This is an appropriate treatment.

D. Rapid transportRationale: This is an appropriate treatment.

CreditsCredits

• Opener: Courtesy of Jason Pack/FEMA.

chapter 17

insulin untreated

insufficient insulin

inadequateamounts of

diabetes signs

types of diabetes

role of glucose andinsulin

diabetes mellitus

diabetes slower

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