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WorksheetsEndocrine & Behavior Emergencies Test (Reading Comprehension)
Total questions: 20
Worksheet time: 20mins
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the body’s ability to metabolize ________ is impaired.
protein
fats
glucose
electrolytes
When the concentration of glucose drops in the blood, the body will release ________, a hormone that assists other organs in converting stored sugars into usable sugars.
insulin
epinephrine
glucagon
dopamine
Patients with diabetes who overexert themselves are prone to rapid ________.
drops in their ability to sweat
increases in their blood pressure
drops in their blood glucose levels
increases in their blood glucose levels
Which organ can rapidly sustain permanent damage when the body’s glucose level is too low?
Brain
Heart
Kidney
Liver
Scenario: At a state women’s volleyball championship, a young player with a history of diabetes who takes insulin is found lying supine on a bench, feeling weak and dizzy after exertion. Based on this scenario, which question should you ask this patient first?
“Are you having any pain?”
“When was the last time you ate?”
“Do you feel short of breath?”
“When was your last menstrual cycle?”
In the same scenario of an insulin-using athlete who becomes weak and dizzy after exertion, what other sudden-onset sign or symptom may this patient exhibit?
A slow, bounding pulse
Rapid, deep respirations
Nausea and vomiting
Pale, moist skin
Your partner prepares to perform a fingerstick to check a patient’s glucose level. A normal glucose level is:
20 mg/dL
80 mg/dL
140 mg/dL
200 mg/dL
Which of the following are signs and symptoms that can give clues to the presence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)? Select all that apply.
Rapid, deep respirations with a fruity breath odor
Warm, dry skin and signs of dehydration
Pale, moist skin with tremors and sudden sweating
Abdominal pain and vomiting
Which statement best differentiates hyperglycemia from hypoglycemia and identifies the condition that is more immediately ominous in the field?
Hyperglycemia is low blood glucose that develops quickly; it is more ominous because it rapidly injures the brain.
Hyperglycemia is high blood glucose that develops quickly; it is more ominous because it causes seizures within minutes.
Hypoglycemia is low blood glucose that often develops rapidly; it is more immediately ominous due to the risk of acute brain injury, whereas hyperglycemia usually develops more gradually.
Hypoglycemia is high blood glucose that develops gradually; it is less ominous because it rarely affects mental status.
Based on the described scenario of an insulin-dependent athlete who becomes weak and dizzy after exertion, what is the most likely problem?
Hypoglycemia due to exertion and recent insulin use
Hyperglycemia with diabetic ketoacidosis
Dehydration unrelated to glucose levels
Classic heat stroke with anhidrosis
Consider this scenario for each question: You encounter a 57‑year‑old man named Charlie cowering in an alley after nearby Fourth of July fireworks. He is wearing a worn military uniform, appears very afraid, and has a bleeding head wound. Police report he has no weapons. A neighbor states he takes several medications and has frequent angry outbursts. Charlie says he returned from Afghanistan about 6 months ago, that an IED scared him and killed his friend Nate, and he believes he was hit by shrapnel. He has high blood pressure and diabetes, is allergic to sulfa, has not taken medication today, and complains of a headache. Which of the following points given by the neighbor is the most important to your care?
He got back from Afghanistan about 6 months ago.
He was in the Army but was medically discharged.
His wife said he has had constant angry outbursts.
She threw him out of the house a few weeks ago.
In the same scenario, what is the significant concern in Charlie’s story about the IED?
His friend died.
It was in Afghanistan.
The explosion scared him.
He believes it was an IED rather than fireworks.
Based on the presentation in this scenario, what is the most likely psychological condition?
Alzheimer disease
Depression
Anxiety and possible psychotic illness
Hypertension
Which of the following statements may help you provide care for Charlie, given his fear and grief?
I know how you feel.
I’m sorry about your loss.
Come with me, and let’s go to a place where they can help you.
It wasn’t an IED, it was just fireworks.
Which of the following treatments would be appropriate for Charlie?
Sedative medication
Oxygen by mask
Glucose, if ALS confirms that the level is low
High blood pressure medication
Would it be wise to restrain this patient to the stretcher?
Yes, he is potentially violent.
Yes, it is best to restrain psychiatric patients.
No, restraint is unethical.
No, it may simply aggravate the situation.
Which of the following statements is true regarding the returning veteran in this scenario?
A person’s altered consciousness can allow them to continue functioning under negative conditions.
Guilt, shame, paranoia, and hostility are rare with combat veterans.
Alcohol and/or drug use is a common way to activate the sympathetic nervous system.
Suicide is rare in these patients.
In this scenario, what scene safety issues should you consider before approaching Charlie? Select all that apply.
Crowds and fireworks that may trigger Charlie and escalate the scene
Limited egress in a narrow alley and the need for a clear exit route
Possibility of hidden weapons despite a police check
Risk of blood exposure from his bleeding head wound
What medical issues could be the cause of Charlie’s emergency in this scenario? Select all that apply.
Hypoglycemia related to diabetes and missed medication
Traumatic brain injury or concussion contributing to confusion
Acute stress reaction or PTSD triggered by fireworks
Appendicitis unrelated to the scene
What are effective techniques you could use when approaching Charlie in this scenario? Select all that apply.
Speak calmly, use simple statements, and allow one rescuer to communicate
Maintain a nonthreatening distance and avoid sudden movements
Argue with him about whether it was fireworks or an IED to correct his beliefs
Ensure police standby and keep an escape route while reassuring him
