YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT... LITERALLY
This lab value, when low, signals increased risk for impaired wound healing and fluid shifts.
What is serum albumin?
This thyroid disorder is characterized by exophthalmos, heat intolerance, and increased systolic blood pressure.
What is hyperthyroidism?
This type of insulin has no peak and is used to mimic the body’s basal insulin secretion.
What is long‑acting insulin?
This GI disorder results from relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing acidic contents to backflow into the esophagus.”
What is GERD?
This medication must be held 24 hours before and 48 hours after contrast dye exposure to prevent lactic acidosis.
What is metformin (Glucophage)?
This nutritional intervention is required when a patient is NPO for more than 3 days without enteral access.
What is total parenteral nutrition (TPN)?
This post‑thyroidectomy complication presents with tingling around the mouth, tetany, and positive Chvostek’s and Trousseau’s signs.
What is hypocalcemia?
This diabetic emergency features glucose >300, metabolic acidosis, and Kussmaul respirations.”
What is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
This gallbladder condition often presents with RUQ pain after fatty meals and a positive Murphy’s sign.
What is cholecystitis?
This medication coats the stomach lining and must be given on an empty stomach, separate from other meds.
What is sucralfate (Carafate)?
This bariatric surgery bypasses the stomach, duodenum, and part of the jejunum, producing the most permanent weight loss but higher complication risk.
What is a Roux‑en‑Y gastric bypass?
This life‑threatening complication of hypothyroidism presents with bradycardia, hypotension, hypothermia, and altered mental status.
What is myxedema coma?
This diabetic complication is characterized by glucose ≥600, severe dehydration, but NO acidosis.
What is Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS)?
This GI disorder is diagnosed with an EGD and is most commonly caused by H. pylori or NSAID use.
What is peptic ulcer disease?
This medication class, ending in ‘prazole,’ is most effective for healing gastric and duodenal ulcers.
What are proton‑pump inhibitors?
This complication of bariatric surgery causes tachycardia, dizziness, and abdominal cramping shortly after eating.
What is dumping syndrome?
This hallmark sign of hyperthyroidism results from increased sympathetic activity and elevated metabolic rate, often causing patients to avoid warm environments.”
What is heat intolerance?
This electrolyte imbalance is expected after treating DKA because insulin drives this ion back into the cells.
What is hypokalemia?
This complication of peptic ulcer disease presents with sudden severe abdominal pain, rigid abdomen, and risk for sepsis.
What is perforation?
This thyroid treatment requires patients to avoid close contact with others and remain isolated.
What is radioactive iodine therapy?
This postoperative bariatric complication causes severe tachycardia, fever, and abdominal pain and may indicate a surgical emergency.
What is an anastomotic leak?
This condition results from autoimmune destruction of the thyroid gland and is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the U.S.
What is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?
This type of insulin is used for sliding‑scale coverage because it begins working within 15–30 minutes.
What is rapid‑acting insulin?
This pancreatic enzyme, when elevated, is the most specific indicator of acute pancreatitis.
What is lipase?
This medication class, ending in ‘tidine,’ reduces gastric acid secretion and is used for GERD and ulcer management.
What are H2 blockers?