Hypoglycaemia Flashcards
1
Q
what is the commonest endocrine emergency?
A
hypoglycaemia
2
Q
why is hypoglycaemia concerning?
A
brain stops working if blood
glucose is too low
3
Q
at what level of blood glucose is hypoglycaemia diagnosed?
A
<3
4
Q
what is the chief cause in diabetics?
A
insulin or sulfonylurea treatment in diabetics
5
Q
in non-diabetics cause?
EXPLAIN mechanism
E X P L A I N
A
Ex – Exogenous drugs (insulin, oral hypoglycaemics use in body builders to ^stamina, alcohol, aspirin poisoning. P – Pituitary insufficiency L – Liver failure A – Addison’s Disease I – Islet cell tumours (insulinoma) N – Non-pancreatic neoplasms
6
Q
Management of Hypoglycaemia?
If conscious, orientated + able to swallow:
If conscious but uncooperative:
In unconscious patients:
A
If conscious, orientated + able to swallow:
15-20g of quick acting carb snack (200ml orange juice)
If conscious but uncooperative:
squirt glucose gel between teeth and gums
In unconscious patients:
glucose IV injection 10%
7
Q
what is hypoglycaemia commonly mistaken for?
A
for patient being drunk
Common symptoms are: sweating anxiety hunger tremor palpitations dizziness confusion drowsiness
