Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

A 50-year-old male with a blood sugar level of 38 mg/dL would NOT typically present with which of the following symptoms?

1. Severe dehydration

2. Tremors

3. Confusion

4. Sweating

The correct answer is: Severe dehydration

A blood sugar level of 38 mg/dL indicates a state of hypoglycemia, which is when the glucose levels in the blood drop significantly below normal. Symptoms associated with hypoglycemia generally stem from the body’s reaction to inadequate glucose for brain function and the release of adrenaline. These symptoms typically include tremors, confusion, increased sweating, palpitations, and irritability. Severe dehydration, on the other hand, is not a typical symptom of acute hypoglycemia. While hypoglycemia can occur in a dehydrated individual, dehydration is usually related to fluid loss from conditions such as prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of fluid intake. Therefore, in the context of the question, severe dehydration does not manifest as a primary symptom of low blood sugar levels like tremors, confusion, or sweating do. Thus, the correct choice is the one that indicates a symptom not commonly associated with hypoglycemia.