CDCES Emergency Response Procedures 2

Question 1

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?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

Question 2

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?

Accepted Answer

Administer prescribed emergency glucagon and call 911

Answer

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

Question 3

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?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 4

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?

Accepted Answer

Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (euDKA)

Answer

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.

Question 5

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?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

(CDCES) Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Practice Test

(CDCES) Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Practice Test

CDCES Emergency Response Procedures 2