Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

During a diabetic emergency, which blood glucose level is considered hypoglycemic?

1. Below 70 mg/dL

2. Above 100 mg/dL

3. Between 70 and 100 mg/dL

4. Below 50 mg/dL

The correct answer is: Below 70 mg/dL

In the context of a diabetic emergency, hypoglycemia is defined as having a blood glucose level that falls below 70 mg/dL. This threshold is significant because it is at this level that individuals may start to experience symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as sweating, shaking, confusion, and irritability. If left untreated, hypoglycemia can lead to severe complications, including loss of consciousness or seizures. The other options do not accurately reflect the definition of hypoglycemia. Blood glucose levels above 100 mg/dL indicate normal or elevated glucose levels, which are not consistent with hypoglycemia. Similarly, a blood glucose measurement between 70 and 100 mg/dL would not indicate a hypoglycemic state, as the individual is still within a safe range. Finally, while a level below 50 mg/dL is certainly concerning and indicative of severe hypoglycemia, it is not the standard threshold used to define hypoglycemia itself. Thus, the focus on the level below 70 mg/dL is critical in identifying and managing hypoglycemic episodes effectively.