Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Test

Which scenario describes hypoglycemia where blood glucose levels are below 50 mg/dL?

1. hunger, weakness, salivation, dilated pupils; tachycardia

2. glocose builds up in blood because cannot enter cells fast enough; BGL 200-500 mg/dL

3. cells burn fat for energy as glucose collects in blood; fruity breath; dehydration; 3 p's; kussmaul respiration

4. Insulin shot with rapid progression

The correct answer is: hunger, weakness, salivation, dilated pupils; tachycardia

The appropriate scenario depicting hypoglycemia is one that presents symptoms typically associated with low blood sugar levels, specifically below 50 mg/dL. In the first scenario, hunger, weakness, salivation, dilated pupils, and tachycardia are classic manifestations of hypoglycemia. These symptoms arise as the body reacts to insufficient glucose availability, leading to the release of stress hormones like adrenaline, which causes symptoms such as increased heart rate (tachycardia) and dilated pupils. The sensation of hunger is the body's way of signaling a need for glucose. In contrast, the other scenarios describe conditions not consistent with hypoglycemia. The scenario discussing glucose building up in the blood refers to hyperglycemia, characterized by elevated blood sugar levels, rather than a deficiency. The scenario involving cells burning fat for energy with symptoms like fruity breath and Kussmaul respiration describes diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a complication of uncontrolled diabetes and associated with high blood sugar levels. Lastly, while the mention of an insulin shot could imply hypoglycemia if not managed properly, rapid progression alone does not detail the corresponding symptoms or blood glucose levels specifically indicative of hypoglycemia. Therefore, the first scenario provides the clearest and most accurate depiction of hypogly