TL;DR
Master the assessment and management of endocrine emergencies including diabetic crises. Endocrine disorders are common in clinical practice and frequently appear on the NREMT EMT Certification.
Free Diabetic & Allergic Emergencies Practice Questions
NREMT EMT Certification · Medical / OB / GYN
This module covers Diabetic & Allergic Emergencies as part of the Medical / OB / GYN section, testing your understanding of core concepts and their practical application.
| Exam | NREMT EMT Certification |
| Pass Rate | 67% |
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Module | Diabetic & Allergic Emergencies |
Why Diabetic & Allergic Emergencies matters
Diabetic & Allergic Emergencies is a commonly tested topic on the NREMT EMT Certification because it covers fundamental knowledge required for competent professional practice.
Sample Practice Questions (5)
1. You respond to a confused patient found on a park bench. His skin is warm and dry, he has rapid deep breathing, and a fruity breath odor. His blood glucose reads "HIGH" (above meter range). He has no insulin or other diabetic medications with him. As an EMT, what is your MOST important action?
- Maintain the airway, administer high-flow oxygen, and transport rapidly; EMTs cannot administer insulin
- Administer oral glucose since the patient is a diabetic
- Administer the patient's insulin pen since his glucose is dangerously high
- Withhold all treatment until a definitive diagnosis is made at the hospital
2. A Type 1 diabetic patient is found semiconscious with an insulin pump attached. His blood glucose is 28 mg/dL. He can follow simple commands but has difficulty swallowing. What is the BEST EMT action?
- Place a small amount of oral glucose inside the cheek, monitor closely for aspiration, and transport rapidly for ALS glucagon or IV dextrose
- Administer a full tube of oral glucose since the glucose is critically low
- Disconnect the insulin pump to stop further insulin delivery
- Do not administer oral glucose and transport immediately
3. You are uncertain whether a confused patient is hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic, and your glucometer is malfunctioning. The patient can swallow safely. What is the SAFEST action?
- Administer oral glucose; hypoglycemia is immediately life-threatening while a small amount of glucose will not significantly worsen hyperglycemia
- Withhold all treatment since you cannot confirm the diagnosis
- Administer oral glucose only if the patient is a known diabetic
- Call medical direction and wait for instructions before treating
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- Use the EpiPen Jr (0.15 mg); it is the correct dose for children weighing less than 30 kg
- Use an adult EpiPen (0.3 mg) because the allergic reaction is severe
- Do not administer epinephrine because it is too dangerous for children
- Administer half of an adult EpiPen by partially depressing the mechanism
5. A patient presents with localized swelling and redness around a mosquito bite on the arm but no other symptoms. Vital signs are stable. What is the MOST appropriate treatment?
- Monitor for progression, apply a cold pack locally, and transport non-emergently or advise follow-up with primary care
- Administer epinephrine auto-injector immediately
- Apply a tourniquet above the bite
- Apply high-flow oxygen via NRB
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