AMLS Endocrine Emergencies 2

Question 1

Which blood glucose level generally defines symptomatic hypoglycemia requiring intervention in adults?

Accepted Answer

Below 70 mg/dL

Answer

Below 80 mg/dL

Answer

Below 60 mg/dL

Answer

Below 50 mg/dL

Question 2

When managing DKA, insulin infusion is typically withheld until the serum potassium is at least what level?

Accepted Answer

3.5 mEq/L

Answer

2.5 mEq/L

Answer

3.0 mEq/L

Answer

4.0 mEq/L

Question 3

A type 2 diabetic on metformin presents with Kussmaul respirations, abdominal pain, and an anion gap metabolic acidosis, but blood glucose is only 130 mg/dL. Which diagnosis should be considered?

Accepted Answer

Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis

Answer

HHS

Answer

Starvation ketosis

Answer

Lactic acidosis from metformin

Question 4

In a patient with suspected adrenal crisis, which immediate treatment should be administered without waiting for confirmatory lab results?

Accepted Answer

IV dexamethasone or hydrocortisone plus fluid resuscitation

Answer

Oral hydrocortisone 20 mg

Answer

IM glucagon 1 mg

Answer

IV thyroid hormone replacement

Question 5

Which clinical sign best distinguishes pheochromocytoma from other hypertensive emergencies?

Accepted Answer

Paroxysmal hypertension with diaphoresis, headache, and palpitations

Answer

Sustained hypertension unresponsive to beta-blockers

Answer

Hypertension with bradycardia (Cushing's reflex)

Answer

Progressive edema with severe hypertension

Question 6

A conscious diabetic patient is found with a blood glucose of 52 mg/dL and mild confusion. Which is the most appropriate initial treatment?

Accepted Answer

15-20 grams of fast-acting oral carbohydrates

Answer

IV dextrose 50% (D50W) 25 g

Answer

IM glucagon 1 mg

Answer

IV normal saline 500 mL bolus

Question 7

Which electrolyte abnormality is most commonly associated with DKA and requires careful monitoring during treatment?

Accepted Answer

Hypokalemia

Answer

Hypernatremia

Answer

Hypercalcemia

Answer

Hypermagnesemia