Diabetic Emergencies

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Diabetic Emergencies

• Chapter 18

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Diabetes

• 14million diabetics in the USA
• 50 have not been diagnosed
• Insulin
• Hormone key
• Made in the pancreas
• Diabetes in general
• High blood sugar
• Cells use protein for fuel
• Kidneys spill sugar into urine
• Causes complications in other body systems

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Whos diabetic?
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Diabetes

• Type 1
• Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
• Juvenile onset
• Type 2
• Insulin-independent diabetes mellitus
• Adult onset
• Gestational diabetes
• Not permanent
• Deliver large babies
• Risk of developing type 2 later in life

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Diabetic emergencies

• Diabetic coma
• Hyperglycemia
• Gradual onset
• Insufficient insulin
• Signs and symptoms
• Varying LOC, dizziness
• Thirst, fever, weakness
• Fruity breath, fatigue
• Weak/rapid pulse
• Irritability, nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Dry/warm skin

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Diabetic emergencies

• Insulin shock
• Hypoglycemia
• Sudden onset
• Too much insulin
• Signs and symptoms
• combativeness
• Decreased LOC, low BP
• Convulsions, tremors
• Speech difficulties
• Rapid pulse
• No thirst
• Pale/moist skin

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Care for diabetic emergencies

• Look for signs of diabetes
• Tags, bracelets
• Medications
• Amputations
• Care
• EMS, monitor vital signs
• Maintain airway
• Be alert for vomiting
• Treat for shock
• Give sugar

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Acute Abdominal Distress

• Chapter 19

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Assessment

• Abdomen
• Divided into 4 quadrants
• Note the direction, location, and characteristics
  of pain
• Goal is to stabilize victim and summon help
• Treat/monitor for shock
• Look for distension
• Confirm abdominal contour
• Palpate for masses
• Determine if guarding

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Abdominal distress

• Severe pain is an emergency
• Signs and symptoms
• Pain, cramps, colic
• Tenderness, anxiety
• Rapid/shallow breathing
• Rapid pulse, nausea
• Vomiting, low BP
• Tense abdomen
• Often in the fetal position
• Care
• EMS, treat for shock
• Never give anything by mouth

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Esophageal varices

• Bulging, weakened blood vessels
• Common in heavy drinkers and those with liver
  disease
• Leads to painless GI bleeding
• Can be fatal in minutes
• Signs and symptoms
• Hematemesis
• Rapid pulse, pallor
• Care
• EMS
• Position on left side for drainage

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Abdominal aortic aneurysm

• Wall of aorta weakens and ruptures
• Lethal
• Common with atherosclerosis and men over age 50
• Signs and symptoms
• Sudden/severe abdominal pain
• Nausea, vomiting
• Mottled abdominal skin
• Pale legs, pulsing mass in abdomen
• Care
• EMS, airway, shock