Review Questions

Select the ONE best answer.

1. A 44-year-old patient presents with restlessness and irritability that has been worsening during the past couple months. He has noted unintended weight loss over that period of time and states he is hungry all the time. His skin is flushed, and his eyes appear to be bulging. What endocrine problem do you suspect?

   1. Hyperpituitarism
   2. Hyperthyroidism
   3. Hypothyroidism
   4. Thyroid storm

2. A conscious 70-year-old male patient presents confused but alert. His wife tells you that his blood sugar recently was 44 mg/dL and your glucometer confirms this. The next most appropriate treatment would be to administer:

   1. 25 g of D50.
   2. 4 LPM of O₂.
   3. 15 g of oral glucose.
   4. 20 mg/kg of crystalloid.

3. Which of the following is the paramedic’s primary goal when treating a patient presenting with a blood glucose level >600 mg/dL, Kussmaul respirations, and excessive urination?

   1. Control the respiratory rate with overdrive BVM ventilations.
   2. Hydrate and dilute circulating glucose with 1 L NSS.
   3. Manage the hyperkalemia with 1 g calcium carbonate.
   4. Treat the metabolic acidosis with 1 mEq/kg sodium bicarbonate.