6 Diabetes Emergency Interventions Free Online FlashCards

What should be assessed first in a suspected diabetes emergency?

Assess airway, breathing, circulation, level of consciousness, and bedside glucose first. Do not delay stabilization for a complete history or laboratory results.

Which findings call for an emergency response?

Activate emergency response for altered consciousness, seizure, severe breathing difficulty, shock, or suspected DKA or HHS.

What glucose level is clinically important for hypoglycemia?

A glucose below 70 mg/dL is clinically important and should prompt assessment and treatment.

How should hypoglycemia be treated when the person can swallow safely?

Give fast-acting glucose or carbohydrate, then recheck glucose after 15 minutes. If it remains below 70 mg/dL, repeat treatment and reassess.

What is the priority when someone with hypoglycemia cannot swallow safely?

Give nothing by mouth. Call emergency services and administer prescribed glucagon if available and authorized; arrange emergency care and reassess.

What causes DKA?

Insulin deficiency leads to ketone production and metabolic acidosis. DKA can occur in either type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Does glucose that is not extremely high rule out DKA?

No. DKA can occur with lower-than-expected glucose, including in some people taking SGLT2 inhibitors; assessment must not rely on glucose alone.

What pattern is characteristic of HHS?

HHS usually involves profound hyperglycemia, dehydration, increased blood osmolality, and marked confusion or other neurologic changes. Significant ketoacidosis is usually absent.

Where should suspected DKA or HHS be treated?

Both DKA and HHS are life-threatening emergencies requiring hospital-level care.

Why must potassium be assessed before insulin in DKA treatment?

Potassium must be assessed and managed under the treatment protocol before insulin is started or continued, because insulin can lower serum potassium further.

Should insulin treatment stop when glucose falls but DKA persists?

No. Glucose may improve before ketones and acidosis resolve; continue treatment and monitoring as directed by the DKA protocol.

What should a person with type 1 diabetes know about basal insulin during suspected DKA?

A person with type 1 diabetes needs ongoing basal insulin. Do not stop it during suspected DKA without clinical direction.