EMT Chapter 20 (Endocrine & Hematologic Emergencies)

acidosis

The buildup of excess acid in the blood or body tissues that can result from a primary illness.

diabetes mellitus

A metabolic disorder in which the ability to metabolize carbohydrates (sugars) is impaired, usually because of a lack of insulin.

diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

A form of hyperglycemia in uncontrolled diabetes in which certain acids accumulate when insulin is not available.

endocrine glands

Glands that secrete or release chemicals that are used inside the body.

endocrine system

The complex message and control system that integrates many body functions, including the release of hormones.

glucose

One of the basic sugars; it is the primary fuel, in conjunction with oxygen, for cellular metabolism.

hematology

The study and prevention of blood-related disorders.

hemophilia

A hereditary condition in which the patient lacks one or more of the blood's normal clotting factors.

hormones

Substances formed in specialized organs or glands and carried to another organ or group of cells in the same organism; they regulate many body functions, including metabolism, growth, and body temperature.

hyperglycemia

An abnormally high blood glucose level.

hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome (HHNS)

A life-threatening condition resulting from high blood glucose that typically occurs in older adults and which causes altered mental status, dehydration, and organ damage.

hypoglycemia

An abnormally low blood glucose level.

insulin

A hormone produced by the islets of Langerhans (endocrine gland located throughout the pancreas) that enables glucose in the blood to enter cells; used in synthetic form to treat and control diabetes mellitus.

Kussmaul respirations

Deep, rapid breathing; usually the result of an accumulation of certain acids when insulin is not available in the body.

polydipsia

Excessive thirst that persists for long periods despite reasonable fluid intake; often the result of excessive urination.

polyphagia

Excessive eating; in diabetes, the inability to use glucose properly can cause a sense of hunger.

polyuria

The passage of an unusually large volume of urine in a given period; in diabetes, this can result from the wasting of glucose in the urine.

sickle cell disease

A hereditary disease that causes normal, round red blood cells to become oblong, or sickle shaped.

symptomatic hyperglycemia

A state of unconsciousness resulting from several problems, including ketoacidosis, dehydration because of excessive urination, and hyperglycemia.

symptomatic hypoglycemia

Severe hypoglycemia resulting in changes in mental status.

thrombophilia

A tendency toward the development of blood clots as a result of an abnormality of the system of coagulation.

thrombosis

A stationary blood clot, either in the arterial or venous system.

type 1 diabetes

An autoimmune disorder in which the individual's immune system produces antibodies to the pancreatic beta cells, and therefore the pancreas cannot produce insulin; onset in early childhood is common.

type 2 diabetes

A condition in which insulin resistance develops in response to increased blood glucose levels; can be managed by exercise and diet modification, but is often managed by medications.

vasoocclusive crisis

Ischemia and pain caused by sickle-shaped red blood cells that obstruct blood flow to a portion of the body.