Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

What is a classic symptom of hyperglycemia in Type 1 diabetes?

1. Fragrant breath

2. Cold skin

3. Elevated blood pressure

4. Rapid heartbeat

The correct answer is: Fragrant breath

A classic symptom of hyperglycemia in Type 1 diabetes is the presence of fragrant breath, often described as having a fruity or acetone-like smell. This occurs due to the buildup of ketones in the bloodstream as the body starts to break down fat for energy when it cannot effectively utilize glucose. This metabolic state is known as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is a serious condition that can arise from prolonged hyperglycemia, especially in patients with Type 1 diabetes. In Type 1 diabetes, where insulin production is severely limited, the body relies on alternative metabolic pathways, leading to the production of these ketones. The fruity breath can be an important clinical sign for emergency responders, as it may indicate a patient is entering or has entered DKA, necessitating swift medical intervention. Other choices such as cold skin, elevated blood pressure, and rapid heartbeat are not classic symptoms associated specifically with hyperglycemia in Type 1 diabetes, and are more related to different conditions or complications. Cold skin might indicate shock or hypoglycemia, elevated blood pressure can arise from a range of different health issues, and a rapid heartbeat can occur due to stress or other metabolic disturbances, but they are not definitive indicators of hyperglycemia.