Emergency Response Procedures Flashcards

A patient calls the CDCES educator reporting dizziness, sweating, and a blood glucose of 58 mg/dL. They are conscious and able to swallow. What is the recommended first treatment?

Answer: Give 15-20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates and recheck in 15 minutes

The 15-15 Rule: give 15-20g of fast-acting carbohydrates, wait 15 minutes, and recheck blood glucose; this is first-line for a conscious, symptomatic patient.

A patient with type 1 diabetes is found unconscious by their family member. They are not able to swallow. Which emergency intervention should the family member perform FIRST?

Answer: Administer prescribed emergency glucagon and call 911

For an unconscious patient with suspected severe hypoglycemia, administer emergency glucagon and call 911 immediately; forcing fluids risks aspiration.

During a group DSMES class, a participant develops slurred speech, confusion, and diaphoresis. Their glucometer reads LOW. What is the CDCES's most appropriate immediate action?

Answer: Treat for severe hypoglycemia using the facility's emergency protocol and activate EMS

A LOW glucometer reading with neurological symptoms indicates severe hypoglycemia requiring immediate emergency treatment and EMS activation.

A patient with type 2 diabetes on an SGLT2 inhibitor calls reporting vomiting, inability to tolerate fluids, and blood glucose of 210 mg/dL. Urine ketones are large. What condition should the CDCES be most concerned about?

Answer: Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (euDKA)

SGLT2 inhibitors can cause euglycemic DKA -- DKA with relatively normal or mildly elevated blood glucose -- which may be missed because glucose is not markedly elevated.

A patient with type 2 diabetes is found to have blood glucose of 620 mg/dL, severe dehydration, and altered mental status but NO significant ketones. Which condition is most likely, and what is the priority emergency response?

Answer: HHS (hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state); call 911 for IV fluid resuscitation

Severely elevated glucose with dehydration, altered mental status, and no significant ketones points to HHS, a life-threatening emergency requiring IV fluid resuscitation and hospitalization.

Which of the following best describes the CDCES's role in a patient's emergency action plan for severe hypoglycemia?

Answer: Educating the patient and caregivers on glucagon administration and creating a written action plan

The CDCES's role is education and action plan development: teaching patients and caregivers about glucagon use, hypoglycemia recognition, and when to call 911.