Acute Complications Management Flashcards
7 cards from real Diabetes practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Acute Complications Management flashcards as text
A 17-year-old with new-onset type 1 diabetes presents with Kussmaul breathing, fruity breath odor, and glucose of 480 mg/dL. Which finding best confirms DKA over hyperglycemia alone?
Answer: Bicarbonate less than 18 mEq/L with ketonemia
DKA is confirmed by the triad of hyperglycemia, ketonemia/ketonuria, and metabolic acidosis (bicarbonate <18 mEq/L or pH <7.3).
A patient with diabetes develops hypoglycemia unawareness. Which statement about this condition is correct?
Answer: Repeated hypoglycemic episodes blunt epinephrine and glucagon counter-regulatory responses
Hypoglycemia unawareness results from impaired counter-regulatory hormone responses (epinephrine, glucagon) due to antecedent hypoglycemic episodes, reducing warning symptoms.
A nurse administers glucagon to a patient with severe hypoglycemia. After 15 minutes the patient regains consciousness. What should be done next?
Answer: Provide oral carbohydrates and a protein-containing snack
After glucagon administration restores consciousness, oral carbohydrates and protein prevent rebound hypoglycemia because glucagon's effect is temporary.
Which electrolyte abnormality during DKA treatment requires continuous cardiac monitoring?
Answer: Hypokalemia
Hypokalemia, which can worsen rapidly with insulin therapy, can cause life-threatening arrhythmias requiring continuous cardiac monitoring during DKA treatment.
A patient with type 2 diabetes on a sulfonylurea develops hypoglycemia. Why is prolonged monitoring especially important in this case?
Answer: Sulfonylureas have long half-lives and can cause recurrent hypoglycemia for 24–72 hours
Sulfonylureas stimulate insulin secretion for extended periods; hypoglycemia can recur many hours after initial treatment due to their long duration of action.
Which of the following patients with DKA is at highest risk for cerebral edema as a complication of treatment?
Answer: 12-year-old child with new-onset type 1 diabetes
Children, especially those with new-onset type 1 diabetes, are at significantly higher risk for cerebral edema during DKA treatment than adults.
A patient presents with altered mental status, glucose of 38 mg/dL, and is conscious enough to swallow. What is the preferred initial treatment?
Answer: 15–20 g of fast-acting carbohydrates orally
If the patient can safely swallow, 15–20 g of fast-acting oral carbohydrates is the first-line treatment per the '15-15 rule' for conscious hypoglycemic patients.