Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia Flashcards

A resident with diabetes has been vomiting and cannot eat breakfast. The QMA is scheduled to administer morning insulin. The BEST course of action is to:

Answer: Hold the insulin and notify the nurse immediately

Vomiting and inability to eat means the resident cannot balance the insulin dose with carbohydrate intake, creating a serious hypoglycemia risk; the nurse must be notified.

The classic triad of hyperglycemia symptoms is often remembered as the 'three Ps.' Which set correctly identifies them?

Answer: Polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia

The three Ps of hyperglycemia are polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (excessive thirst), and polyphagia (excessive hunger).

Which of the following is an appropriate follow-up action AFTER successfully treating a mild hypoglycemic episode?

Answer: Provide a snack containing protein and complex carbohydrates

After treating hypoglycemia with fast-acting carbs and confirming glucose recovery, a follow-up snack with protein and complex carbs helps sustain blood glucose levels.

Which statement about hypoglycemia unawareness is CORRECT?

Answer: Long-term diabetics may lose the ability to recognize early warning symptoms

Hypoglycemia unawareness is common in long-standing diabetes because repeated low glucose episodes blunt the body's counter-regulatory hormone response and symptom recognition.

A QMA documents that a resident's blood glucose readings have been consistently above 250 mg/dL for three days. The QMA's primary responsibility is to:

Answer: Continue documenting and report the trend to the nurse for evaluation

The QMA's role is to document accurately and report concerning trends to the nurse; adjusting doses or dietary plans independently is outside the QMA's scope of practice.

Which of the following symptoms differentiates hyperglycemia from hypoglycemia in a diabetic resident?

Answer: Fruity breath odor and slow onset suggest hyperglycemia

Fruity breath (from ketones) and gradual onset are hallmarks of hyperglycemia/DKA, whereas hypoglycemia typically has a rapid onset with sweating and shakiness.

An insulin-dependent resident's blood glucose is 72 mg/dL just before their scheduled insulin dose. The QMA should:

Answer: Hold the dose and notify the nurse

A pre-dose glucose of 72 mg/dL is borderline low; the QMA should hold the insulin and notify the nurse to prevent tipping the resident into hypoglycemia.