Study Guide & Practice Questions for EMT
Students, Certification Prep, and Clinical Success
Hypoglycemic Crisis Blood Sugar level
Blood sugar Below 40
Hypoglycemia blood sugar level
Blood sugar 40-80
Normal Blood Sugar
Blood sugar 80-120
Hyperglycemia blood sugar level
Blood sugar 120-400
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic coma
(HHNC) blood sugar level
Blood sugar 400-800
,Hyperglycemic Crisis blood sugar level
Blood sugar 800-up
Hyperglycemia Signs & Symptoms
Kussmaul respirations (rapid, deep respirations), Dehydration, as indications of
dry warm skin "tenting". Sunken eyes. A sweet or fruity odor or the breath,
caused by Ketones. A rapid, weak pulse (tready) A normal or slightly low blood
pressure. Varying degrees of unresponsiveness. Weakness, nausea, and
vomiting. Polyuria (excessive urination),
Polydipsia (excessive thirst), Polyphagia (excessive eating) Restlessness, possibly
progressing to coma; abnormally slurred speech; unsteady gait(movement).
Hyperglycemia Caused by
Patient is not under medical
treatment Takes an insufficient
amount of insulin, Excessive
eating
Undergoing stress that may cause infection, illness, overexertion, fatigue,
or drinking alcohol.
#1 cause of diabetic death in pediatrics
Cerebral edema caused by hyperglycemia
, Hypoglycemia Signs and symptoms
Pale, moist skin (Clammy Diaphoresis sweating), Dizziness, headache, Rapid
pulse, Normal to low blood pressure, altered metal status, (Acting drunk mean,
aggressive, confused, lethargic, or unusual behavior.) Anxious or combative
behavior, Hunger,
Seizure, fainting, or coma, weakness on one side of the body (may mimic stroke)
Rapid changes in mental status.
Hypoglycemic Crisis caused by
Taken too much insulin,
Taken a regular dose of insulin but has not eaten enough food,
Had an unusual amount of activity or vigorous exercise and used up all available
glucose
Diabetes patients Commonly
Do not take their insulin when they get sick and go in to hyperglycemic crisis.
What is required to give oral glucose.
Patient can hold a glass of water and sip it. Make sure the tube of glucose is
intact and has not expired.
Aplastic crisis
A condition in which the body stops producing red blood cells; typically caused
by infection.