Transcript Chapter 13 Diabetic Emergencies and Allergic Reactions

Chapter 13
Diabetic Emergencies and Allergic
Reactions
Lesson Objectives
• Define diabetes, differentiate between type 1 and
type 2 diabetics, and know how to manage
diabetes in the wilderness.
• Know how to recognize and manage acute
complications of diabetes, including insulin shock
and ketoacidosis.
• Know how to recognize and manage allergic
reactions, including anaphylactic shock, allergic
rhinitis, and hives.
Diabetic Emergencies (1 of 6)
• Diabetes
– Type 1 (insulin-dependent diabetes):
Body produces little or no insulin.
– Type 2: Body produces some insulin,
but not enough.
Diabetic Emergencies (2 of 6)
• Diabetes
– Diabetics in the wilderness:
• Diabetics should let group leader know of
condition; discuss trip with physician, and
carry adequate supplies.
• Supplies include medications and
equipment.
• Insulin and glucagon should be protected
from heat and cold.
Diabetic Emergencies (3 of 6)
• Acute complications of diabetes
– Insulin shock: Body gets too much insulin, too
much exercise, or too little food, causing blood
sugar level to fall too low.
– Ketoacidosis: Body has too little insulin
causing blood sugar levels to become too high.
Develops more slowly than insulin shock.
Diabetic Emergencies (4 of 6)
• Acute complications of diabetes
– What to look for: Insulin shock
• Sudden onset of pale, cold, clammy skin and
rapid pulse
• Headache, hunger, dizziness, nervousness,
and weakness
• Staggering, poor coordination, and trembling
• Mood changes
• Altered mental status
Diabetic Emergencies (5 of 6)
• Acute complications of diabetes
– What to look for: Ketoacidosis
• Gradual onset of flushed, dry, warm skin
and rapid pulse
• Rapid, deep respirations
• Extreme thirst
• Fruity odor of breath
• Vomiting
• Frequent urination
• Altered mental status
Diabetic Emergencies (6 of 6)
• Acute complications of diabetes
– What to do:
• Check blood sugar.
• Determine if victim has an injury or illness or both.
• Conduct an initial check and care for immediate
problems.
• If blood sugar is low, inject glucagon or give
glucose gel.
• Evacuate those who become worse or do not
recover.
Allergic Reactions (1 of 10)
• Can be mild and recurrent or sudden and
severe.
• Anaphylactic shock: A massive allergic
reaction with potentially fatal results.
Allergic Reactions (2 of 10)
• Anaphylactic shock
– What to look for:
• Severe itching or hives
• Sneezing, coughing, or wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Tightness and swelling of the throat
and tightness in the chest
Allergic Reactions (3 of 10)
• Anaphylactic shock
– What to look for:
• Dramatic swelling of the face, tongue,
and/or mouth
• Vomiting, cramps, or diarrhea
• Convulsions or loss of responsiveness
Allergic Reactions (4 of 10)
• Anaphylactic shock
– What to do:
• Act quickly!
• Check breathing and
give CPR if necessary.
• Administer epinephrine.
Allergic Reactions (5 of 10)
• Anaphylactic shock
– What to do:
• Monitor condition very few minutes.
• Give more epinephrine if necessary.
• If you do not have epinephrine, use an
asthma inhaler or nasal decongestant spray
or antihistamine.
• Allow conscious victims to assume a
position of comfort.
Allergic Reactions (6 of 10)
• Anaphylactic shock
– What to do:
• After victim improves, give
diphenhydramine.
• If there is no improvement, evacuate
immediately.
Allergic Reactions (7 of 10)
• Allergic rhinitis
– What to look for:
• Itching of the nose, roof of the mouth,
throat, and eyes
• Stuffy, runny nose and runny eyes
• Sneezing
Allergic Reactions (8 of 10)
• Allergic rhinitis
– What to do:
• Avoid the cause, if known.
• Give antihistamines or
antihistamine/decongestant combinations.
Allergic Reactions (9 of 10)
• Hives
– What to look for:
• Pink, blotchy, itching bumps on the skin
• Occasional massive, itching swelling of a
lip, eyelid, hand, or foot
Allergic Reactions (10 of 10)
• Hives
– What to do:
• Watch for signs of anaphylactic shock.
• Give nonprescription antihistamines.