Arizona Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Test

Which symptom is commonly observed in a resident with low blood sugar?

1. Shakiness and trembling

2. Excessive thirst

3. Rapid breathing

4. High fever

The correct answer is: Shakiness and trembling

Shakiness and trembling are key indicators of low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia. When blood sugar levels drop, the body responds with a release of adrenaline, which can lead to feelings of shakiness and other physiological reactions. This is part of the body’s natural defense mechanism to attempt to raise glucose levels in the bloodstream. The symptoms occur because the brain, which relies heavily on glucose for energy, begins to experience the impacts of insufficient sugar, leading to nervous system responses like trembling. The other symptoms listed, such as excessive thirst, rapid breathing, and high fever, are more indicative of different conditions, such as dehydration or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Thus, recognizing shakiness and trembling as a sign of low blood sugar is critical for timely intervention and management.