Medical Emergencies · single question
Which of the following is a common symptom of hypoglycemia?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Confusion
- A. CORRECT — Confusion (neuroglycopenia) is a hallmark symptom of hypoglycemia. The brain is entirely dependent on glucose; low blood glucose causes altered mentation, ranging from confusion to loss of consciousness.
- B. INCORRECT — Seizures can occur in severe hypoglycemia but are not a 'common' symptom — they represent advanced neuroglycopenia.
- C. INCORRECT — Nausea is not a primary or common symptom of hypoglycemia; the key symptoms are adrenergic (tachycardia, diaphoresis, pallor, tremors) and neuroglycopenic (confusion, dizziness, headache).
- D. INCORRECT — Bradycardia is NOT typical of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia triggers the sympathetic 'counter-regulatory' response, producing TACHYCARDIA (rapid heart rate), not bradycardia.
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