Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

What is a potential complication associated with the administration of D50?

1. Hypoglycemia if overdosed

2. Hyperglycemia if underdosed

3. Tissue necrosis if it extravasates into the soft tissues

4. Allergic reaction

The correct answer is: Tissue necrosis if it extravasates into the soft tissues

The administration of D50, a concentrated glucose solution, can lead to significant complications if it extravasates, meaning it leaks out of the vein into surrounding soft tissues. This extravasation can cause local tissue damage and necrosis due to the hypertonic nature of the solution, which draws water out of cells, leading to cell death. Tissue necrosis is a serious concern, as it may require medical intervention to manage the injuries caused by the leakage of the substance. While hypoglycemia is certainly a risk associated with dosing errors, it specifically applies when too little glucose is administered, rather than being an effect of D50 itself. Hyperglycemia can result from administering an insufficient dose in a context where the patient's blood sugar levels are already low, but this is less relevant compared to the immediate physical harm from extravasation. Allergic reactions are a possible side effect with any medication; however, they tend to be much rarer with D50 and are not the primary concern when considering the complications associated with this specific treatment.