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What are the signs or symptoms of hypoglycemia as a PN complication?

A) Fever, chills, and increased heart rate
B) Chest pain, dyspnea, and decreased urine output
C) Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
D) Headache, dizziness, and visual disturbances

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The symptoms of hypoglycemia include headache, dizziness, and visual disturbances, which result from insufficient glucose availability to the body's cells and can lead to confusion, weakness, and even unconsciousness in severe cases.

Step-by-step explanation:

The symptoms of hypoglycemia as a potential complication of parenteral nutrition (PN) are mostly related to the inadequate supply of glucose to the brain and other parts of the body. These symptoms include headache, dizziness, and visual disturbances. This occurs when blood glucose levels fall too low, leading to insufficient glucose availability to cells. It can cause other symptoms such as confusion, weakness, tremors, sweating, hunger, and in severe cases unconsciousness or seizures. It's important to note that while low blood pressure symptoms such as dizziness or lightheadedness can accompany hypoglycemia, they are not the primary indicators. Diabetic patients, in particular, experience hypoglycemia when their insulin levels are too high relative to their current level of glucose, which can be a consequence of medications or inconsistent eating.

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