College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

What might slurred speech and sweating in a client indicate?

1. Dehydration

2. Hypoglycemia

3. Heat exhaustion

4. Severe anxiety

The correct answer is: Hypoglycemia

Slurred speech and sweating in a client can indicate hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar levels. This condition occurs when the body's glucose supply is insufficient to meet the energy needs of the brain and other organs. When the brain does not receive adequate glucose, one of the common symptoms is slurred speech, caused by impaired neurological function. Sweating can accompany this condition due to the body's physiological response to low blood sugar, which triggers the release of adrenaline, a hormone that can lead to perspiration. Hypoglycemia is particularly relevant in various scenarios, such as in individuals with diabetes who might take insulin or other medications that affect blood sugar levels. Identifying these symptoms promptly is crucial, as hypoglycemia can escalate to more severe complications if not addressed, including confusion, loss of consciousness, or seizures. Other conditions, while they might have some overlapping symptoms, do not directly align with both slurred speech and sweating in the distinctive manner seen in hypoglycemia. Dehydration, for example, primarily leads to symptoms like dry mouth and dizziness rather than neurological symptoms like slurred speech. Heat exhaustion typically features symptoms such as weakness and headache, but slurred speech is not a defining symptom. Severe anxiety can cause sweating and various other physiological responses