You have been called for a 32-year-old female with altered mental status. On scene you find the patient lethargic and confused. Although information is sketchy, it appears that she has a history of diabetes as well as renal failure for which she receives dialysis. You note no deficits in the primary assessment and the vital signs are: pulse 124, respirations 28, BP 106/68 mmHg, and SpO₂ 97%. Your partner reports a blood sugar reading of 774 mg/dL. Based on this information, the EMT would understand that definitive care of this patient would involve the administration of which one of the following medications?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's high blood sugar reading of 774 mg/dL coupled with her history of diabetes indicates that she is likely experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis, a potentially life-threatening complication of diabetes. Insulin is the definitive treatment for this condition and should be administered as soon as possible to help lower the patient's blood sugar levels and prevent further deterioration of her condition. Intravenous fluids and oxygen may also be necessary, but insulin is the most important medication for this patient's care. Glucose would not be appropriate as the patient's blood sugar levels are already dangerously high.

You Have Been Called for a 32-Year-Old Female with Altered