Which of the following is the most reliable way to differentiate between a hyperglycemic emergency and a hypoglycemic emergency?
A) Determine whether or not the patient took his insulin or oral antihyperglycemic medicines.
B) Determine whether the patient is a type I or type II diabetic.
C) Follow the conventional wisdom, "Pale, cool, wet: low; red, hot, dry: high."
D) Assess the blood glucose level.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most reliable way to differentiate between hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic emergencies is to assess the patient's blood glucose level. A hyperglycemic emergency occurs when blood sugar levels are too high, while a hypoglycemic emergency occurs when blood sugar levels are too low. Determining whether or not the patient took their insulin or oral antihyperglycemic medicines or their type of diabetes is important information, but it does not definitively distinguish between the two emergencies. The conventional wisdom of "Pale, cool, wet: low; red, hot, dry: high" may be helpful in some cases, but it is not always accurate and should not be relied upon as the sole method of differentiation.

Which of the Following Is the Most Reliable Way to Differentiate