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EMT Basic · Chapter 20 · Review · Chapter track

Endocrine and Hematologic Emergencies

Referencing the content of EMT-Basic training and emergency patient care

Learning objectives (16)

  1. Define the terms diabetes mellitus, hyperglyce- mia, and hypoglycemia — Knowledge/skills objective (printed page 777); confirm wording in your course copy.

  2. Demonstrate the assessment and care of a patient with hypoglycemia and a decreased level of consciousness — Knowledge/skills objective (printed page 778); confirm wording in your course copy.

  3. Describe the anatomy and physiology of the endocrine system and its main function in the body — Knowledge/skills objective (printed page 777); confirm wording in your course copy.

  4. Describe the differences and similarities between hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic diabetic emergencies, including their onset, signs and symptoms, and management considerations — Knowledge/skills objective (printed page 777); confirm wording in your course copy.

  5. Describe the interventions for providing emergency medical care to both a conscious and unconscious patient with an altered mental status and a history of diabetes who is having sy — Knowledge/skills objective (printed page 777); confirm wording in your course copy.

  6. Describe the pathophysiology, complications, and management of sickle cell disease — Knowledge/skills objective (printed page 778); confirm wording in your course copy.

  7. Describe two types of blood clotting disorders, and the risk factors, characteristics, and management of each — Knowledge/skills objective (printed page 778); confirm wording in your course copy.

  8. Discuss the composition and functions of blood — Knowledge/skills objective (printed page 778); confirm wording in your course copy.

  9. Discuss the role of glucose as a major source of energy for the body and its relationship to insulin — Knowledge/skills objective (printed page 777); confirm wording in your course copy.

  10. Discuss the steps the EMT should follow when conducting a primary and secondary assessment of a patient with an altered mental status who is suspected of having diabetes — Knowledge/skills objective (printed page 778); confirm wording in your course copy.

  11. Distinguish between the individual types of diabetes and how their onset and presentations are different — Knowledge/skills objective (printed page 777); confirm wording in your course copy.

  12. Explain some age-related considerations when managing a pediatric patient who is experiencing symptomatic hypoglycemia — Knowledge/skills objective (printed page 777); confirm wording in your course copy.

  13. Explain some age-related considerations when managing an older patient who has undiagnosed diabetes — Knowledge/skills objective (printed page 778); confirm wording in your course copy.

  14. Explain the process for assessing and managing the airway of a patient with an altered mental status, including ways to differentiate a hyperglycemic patient from a hypoglycemic pa — Knowledge/skills objective (printed page 777); confirm wording in your course copy.

  15. Explain when it is appropriate to obtain medical direction when providing emergency medical care to a patient with diabetes — Knowledge/skills objective (printed page 778); confirm wording in your course copy.

  16. Provide the forms, dose, administration, indications, and contraindications for giving oral glucose to a patient with a decreased level of consciousness who has a history of diabet — Knowledge/skills objective (printed page 778); confirm wording in your course copy.

Chapter web resources

Optional reading from authoritative sites. Your textbook remains the primary source for this course.

When sources disagree (5 topics to verify before you teach from this chapter alone)

Printable study sheetPrintable flashcards (PDF, 10-up)Read first, then practise the track.

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Vocabulary · 12

  • Diabetes mellitus

    A group of chronic diseases marked by elevated blood glucose due to defects in insulin production, insulin action, or both.

    SourceNIH NIDDK — What is diabetes?

  • Type 1 diabetes

    An autoimmune disease in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin; managed with insulin replacement.

    SourceNIH NIDDK — Type 1 diabetes

  • Type 2 diabetes

    A condition of insulin resistance and progressive insulin deficiency, often associated with obesity.

    SourceNIH NIDDK — Type 2 diabetes

  • Hypoglycemia

    Low blood glucose, generally below 70 mg/dL, producing symptoms ranging from sweating and shakiness to altered mental status and seizures.

    SourceNIH NIDDK — Low blood glucose (hypoglycemia)

  • Hyperglycemia

    Abnormally high blood glucose, often presenting with polyuria, polydipsia, and over time, dehydration.

    SourceNIH NIDDK — High blood glucose

  • Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

    A life-threatening hyperglycemic emergency, usually in type 1 diabetes, with ketone production, acidosis, and dehydration.

    SourceNIH NIDDK — Diabetic ketoacidosis

  • Kussmaul respirations

    Deep, rapid, labored breathing that develops as the body tries to compensate for metabolic acidosis (e.g., DKA).

    SourceMerriam-Webster Medical Dictionary — Kussmaul breathing

  • Oral glucose

    A 15-gram dose of glucose paste or gel placed in the cheek of a conscious patient with a gag reflex who has symptomatic hypoglycemia.

    SourceAmerican Diabetes Association — Rule of 15 for hypoglycemia

  • Glucometer

    A handheld device that measures capillary blood glucose from a fingerstick sample.

    SourceNIH MedlinePlus — Blood glucose monitoring

  • Sickle cell crisis

    An acute painful episode in sickle cell disease caused by sickled red blood cells obstructing small blood vessels.

    SourceNIH NHLBI — Sickle cell disease — acute complications

  • Anticoagulant

    Medication that slows blood clotting (e.g., warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban); increases bleeding risk after trauma.

    SourceNIH MedlinePlus — Anticoagulants

  • Hemophilia

    An inherited bleeding disorder caused by deficiency of clotting factor VIII or IX, leading to prolonged bleeding after injury.

    SourceCDC — Hemophilia facts

Sequences · 2

  • Field treatment of symptomatic hypoglycemia — Order EMT steps for a conscious patient with suspected hypoglycemia.
  • Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) recognition — Order the typical presentation pattern of DKA from earliest to most severe.