North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

What describes the respiratory pattern in a patient experiencing hypoglycemia?

1. Normal, shallow, or rapid

2. Deep and slow

3. Labored and wheezing

4. Hyperventilating

The correct answer is: Normal, shallow, or rapid

In patients experiencing hypoglycemia, the respiratory pattern is often characterized by being normal, shallow, or rapid. This relates to the body’s acute response to low blood glucose levels. When blood sugar drops, the body can react with a variety of stress responses, which may include an increase in respiratory rate as it attempts to meet the metabolic demands of the cells and compensate for the lack of energy. Normal or shallow breathing might occur as the individual tries to conserve energy, while rapid breathing can result from anxiety or discomfort associated with the hypoglycemic episode. Understanding that hypoglycemia may not cause the deep and slower breaths typically associated with respiratory failure or metabolic conditions is key. Such a respiratory pattern may indicate more severe conditions like acidosis, which is not directly tied to hypoglycemia. Likewise, labored and wheezing breathing could suggest underlying pulmonary issues or an asthma attack rather than a direct response to low glucose levels. Hyperventilation often occurs in conditions like anxiety disorders or certain metabolic disorders but is typically not a hallmark of hypoglycemia.