Infection Control · single question
A diabetic type 2 patient in the dental chair starts feeling dizzy and unwell. What blood glucose level MOST LIKELY explains these symptoms?
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Correct answer: B. 40 mg/dL (hypoglycemia — normal fasting = 70–100 mg/dL; symptoms occur below ~70)
- A. 85 mg/dL is within normal range — no symptoms expected.
- B. Correct. Acute dizziness and 'feeling bad' in a diabetic patient suggests HYPOGLYCEMIA. Blood glucose of 40 mg/dL is severely hypoglycemic (well below the symptomatic threshold of ~70 mg/dL). At this level, the brain is deprived of glucose causing: confusion, dizziness, diaphoresis, tachycardia, and potentially loss of consciousness. Treat with oral glucose (juice, glucose tablets) or IV dextrose.
- C. 100 mg/dL is normal fasting glucose — not a cause of acute symptoms.
- D. 200 mg/dL is hyperglycemia — symptoms are typically gradual (polyuria, polydipsia, fatigue), not acute dizziness.
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