Diabetes
Blood glucose below this value is hypoglycemia.
Less than 70 mg/dL
Rapid recognition matters because untreated hypoglycemia can progress from adrenergic or neurologic symptoms to seizures and coma.
Which hormone increases renal water reabsorption?
ADH (vasopressin)
Hyperthyroidism is best remembered as high and _____.
Fast
An ABI below what value supports PAD?
below 0.9
Antidote for heparin?
Protamine sulfate
Name the rapid, life threatening complication with glucose >250 , PH >7.3 and ketones
DKA is characterized by significant hyperglycemia, ketone accumulation, and metabolic acidosis. The slides identify glucose greater than 250 mg/dL, ketones, and Kussmaul respirations as key cues.
Which pancreatic cells secrete insulin?
Beta cells
Name two signs of hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy.
Perioral/extremity tingling, muscle twitching, Chvostek/Trousseau signs, tetany
What symptom of PAD occurs with exercise and improves with rest?
Intermittent claudication
Antidote for warfarin?
Vitamin K
A conscious client has glucose 58. State immediate treatment and recheck time.
Give 15-20 g of rapidly absorbed carbohydrate; recheck in 15 min
An awake client who can swallow should receive 15-20 g of rapid carbohydrate, then have glucose rechecked after 15 minutes. Repeat treatment if the glucose remains low or symptoms persist.
Which pituitary hormone stimulates the thyroid to release T3 and T4?
TSH
What emergency medication should be available for postoperative hypocalcemia/tetany?
IV calcium gluconate
A client with suspected DVT reports sudden chest pain and dyspnea. What complication is suspected?
PE
Which antihypertensive class commonly causes a persistent cough?
ACE inhibitors
Differentiate DKA from HHS using ketosis/acidosis and typical glucose severity.
DKA: ketones + metabolic acidosis; HHS: usually >600 mg/dL with severe dehydration and little/no ketosis
Which adrenal cortical hormone promotes sodium retention and potassium excretion?
Aldosterone
A post-thyroidectomy client develops sudden stridor and restlessness. Priority?
Treat as an airway emergency: activate rapid response/provider and prepare airway equipment
Why should the nurse never massage a leg with DVT?
Massage can dislodge the clot and promote embolization
Why can beta blockers make hypoglycemia harder to recognize?
Beta blockers can mask sympathetic warning signs of hypoglycemia
A sick client with diabetes has glucose >240 mg/dL. What additional home test is emphasized?
Urine ketones
Explain why excess ADH lowers serum sodium.
Excess ADH causes water retention, which dilutes serum sodium
Hyperthermia, severe tachycardia, hypertension, delirium after thyroid manipulation suggests what emergency?
Thyroid storm
Name the 6 Ps used to assess severe arterial compromise/compartment syndrome.
Pain, pressure, paralysis, paresthesia, pallor, pulselessness
Why is metformin held around iodinated contrast procedures?
Metformin is held around contrast procedures/surgery and restarted only after renal function is verified