Question

A 21 yr old male is found sitting in an automobile in a parking lot. He has an altered mental status and a history of diabetes. Your attempt to question him yields little info, as his responses are inappropriate for the questions. Your treatment for this patient include:

1) Suctioning patients airway
2) Full immobilization of patients head neck and spine
3) Administration of a glucose solution by mouth
4) Open airway with OPA

Answer 1

The 21-year-old male likely needs immediate medical attention due to a diabetes-related emergency. Administering glucose by mouth is appropriate if he can swallow, otherwise maintaining an open airway with an OPA is necessary. Full immobilization and airway suctioning should be based on the patient's specific condition and signs of trauma or aspiration risk.

Step-by-step explanation:

The situation described involves a 21-year-old male with a history of diabetes, presenting with altered mental status, and possibly in need of emergency medical treatment. In this scenario, it is crucial to consider diabetic emergencies, such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), which can alter mental status. The sweet, alcohol-like breath could indicate ketoacidosis, a serious complication of diabetes that requires immediate medical attention.

For a patient with altered mental status and a history of diabetes, administering a glucose solution by mouth (if the patient is conscious and able to swallow) may be appropriate if hypoglycemia is suspected. However, if the patient's ability to swallow is compromised or has an altered level of consciousness, inserting an oral airway adjunct such as an OPA may be necessary to maintain an open airway. Full immobilization of the patient's head, neck, and spine is generally reserved for patients with suspected trauma, which does not appear to be the case based on the provided information. Suctioning the airway is necessary if there is an obstruction or risk of aspiration.