Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia Flashcards

A resident with diabetes is found unconscious. The QMA confirms the resident has a pulse and is breathing. What should the QMA do FIRST?

Answer: Call for the nurse immediately and do not give anything by mouth

An unconscious resident is at risk for aspiration; nothing should be given by mouth, and emergency assistance must be called immediately.

Which time of day carries the highest risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia for a resident receiving intermediate-acting insulin (NPH) in the evening?

Answer: 2–4 hours after the injection

NPH insulin peaks approximately 4–12 hours after injection; an evening dose peaks in the early morning hours, raising the risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia.

A resident with diabetes complains of headache, fatigue, and increased thirst. Their blood glucose is 310 mg/dL. The QMA should classify this as:

Answer: Hyperglycemia requiring nurse notification and monitoring

A blood glucose of 310 mg/dL with classic hyperglycemic symptoms (polydipsia, fatigue) must be reported to the nurse for evaluation and potential insulin adjustment.

Which factor is LEAST likely to cause hypoglycemia in an insulin-dependent resident?

Answer: Receiving the correct insulin dose with a full meal

Receiving the correct insulin dose paired with a full meal is the intended balanced state and is least likely to cause hypoglycemia.

In caring for a resident with type 2 diabetes who takes oral antidiabetic medications AND insulin, the QMA notices blood glucose is 55 mg/dL. Which action is CORRECT?

Answer: Treat the hypoglycemia with 15g of carbohydrate and notify the nurse before giving any medications

At 55 mg/dL, the immediate priority is treating the dangerous hypoglycemia and notifying the nurse; no antidiabetic medications should be given until glucose is safe and the nurse is consulted.

A resident receiving regular insulin before meals should be monitored most closely for hypoglycemia during which timeframe?

Answer: 30 minutes to 3 hours after injection (peak action time)

Regular insulin peaks approximately 2–3 hours after injection, which is when the risk of hypoglycemia is greatest.

Which of the following is the most important piece of information the QMA should document after managing a hypoglycemic episode?

Answer: Blood glucose level before and after treatment, treatment given, time, and resident response

Accurate documentation of the glucose readings, treatment administered, timing, and resident response provides an essential clinical record for ongoing care.