General Medicine

20 learning units • 100 chapter sections • 200 explained questions. Assess the patient, choose investigations and build a monitored management plan across adult medical specialties.

Original RAHBAR study material for the Year 4 learning pathway. Clinical cases support supervised undergraduate learning. Treatment choices, doses and procedures must follow current local protocols and the responsible clinical team. References & further reading ↓

MODULE 14 / 20

Diabetes & Hyperglycaemic Emergencies

Integrate diagnosis and complication prevention with safe recognition of hypoglycaemia, ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar illness.

Choose an answer and check it immediately. Change your choice to try again. This is a self-study exercise; results are not saved.

Question 01. A confused insulin-treated patient is sweating. What bedside test is urgent? A. Lipid profileB. Elective HbA1c aloneC. GlucoseD. Thyroid ultrasound

Question 02. When is oral carbohydrate unsafe during hypoglycaemia? A. When the patient is fully alert and can swallowB. When consciousness or swallowing is impairedC. When glucose can be recheckedD. When a responsible clinician is present

Question 03. Can DKA occur with a less dramatic glucose elevation? A. No, neverB. Yes, including with SGLT2-inhibitor exposureC. Only after a normal mealD. Only without ketones

Question 04. What is characteristic of HHS? A. Marked hyperosmolality and water deficitB. Mandatory severe ketoacidosis in every caseC. Absence of hyperglycaemiaD. A purely respiratory disorder

Question 05. Why can normal initial potassium be misleading in DKA? A. Total body stores may be depletedB. It proves no potassium lossC. It excludes acidosisD. It guarantees potassium cannot fall

Question 06. What must be addressed before insulin when potassium is significantly low in DKA? A. HbA1c normalisationB. Routine retinal photographyC. Hypokalaemia through the monitored protocolD. An elective exercise test

Question 07. What confirms recovery from DKA more meaningfully than glucose alone? A. A single lower glucose reading onlyB. Resolution of ketosis and acidosis with clinical improvementC. Disappearance of thirst aloneD. A normal cholesterol result

Question 08. Why monitor after initial recovery from sulfonylurea-related hypoglycaemia? A. Recurrence is impossibleB. Recurrent hypoglycaemia may occurC. The drug immediately leaves the body in all patientsD. A normal reading proves permanent recovery

Question 09. Can an adult newly presenting with diabetes have type 1 disease? A. No, age alone excludes itB. Only if no weight loss is presentC. YesD. Only after ten years of type 2 disease

Question 10. What is essential before discharge after a hyperglycaemic emergency? A. Blame the patient without assessing barriersB. Review the trigger, supplies, education and follow-upC. Stop all insulin in every patientD. Focus only on the last glucose reading

0 / 10 answeredReady for assessment →

References & Further Reading

Read the relevant guideline sections alongside these original clinical teaching cases. Local pathways, available services and individual patient factors determine care.

ADA and partner societies — Hyperglycaemic crises consensus

Reference review: 27 September 2026. Consult current local protocols for prescribing, procedures and escalation.