Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

Which condition is characterized by glucose buildup in the blood due to insufficient cellular entry?

1. Hypoglycemia

2. Diabetic Ketoacidosis

3. Hyperglycemia

4. Fasting Hypoglycemia

The correct answer is: Hyperglycemia

The condition characterized by glucose buildup in the blood due to insufficient cellular entry is hyperglycemia. This occurs when there is an excessive amount of glucose in the bloodstream, often resulting from inadequate insulin production, insulin resistance, or other metabolic issues. Insulin is crucial for facilitating the entry of glucose into cells, where it can be utilized for energy. When insulin is lacking or ineffective, glucose accumulates in the blood, leading to hyperglycemia. Understanding this process is vital for EMTs, as recognizing hyperglycemia can be critical for identifying potential diabetic emergencies. In contrast, other conditions listed, such as hypoglycemia and fasting hypoglycemia, involve low levels of blood glucose, while diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious complication of diabetes characterized by the buildup of ketones and acidosis due to excessive fat breakdown, often accompanied by high blood glucose levels but driven by a different metabolic path.