What is the recommended intervention for a patient experiencing hypoglycemia?

What is the recommended intervention for a patient experiencing hypoglycemia?

• A. Administer insulin
• B. Provide oral glucose if the patient is conscious
• C. Start CPR immediately
• D. Perform a throat sweep

Answer: (B)

In the case of a patient experiencing hypoglycemia, providing oral glucose is the appropriate intervention if the patient is conscious. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can cause confusion, weakness, and even loss of consciousness, making it critical to restore glucose levels promptly. Oral glucose is effective because it quickly raises blood sugar levels when ingested. This intervention is safe for conscious patients who can swallow without risk of aspiration. If the patient is unable to protect their airway or is unconscious, different protocols would apply, such as intravenous administration of dextrose or glucagon, depending on the situation and the EMT’s scope of practice. Administering insulin, starting CPR, or performing a throat sweep are not suitable actions for a hypoglycemic episode in a conscious patient. Insulin would further decrease blood sugar, CPR is aimed at cardiac arrest, and a throat sweep is generally performed for foreign body obstruction, not for managing low blood sugar. Thus, the correct approach focuses on replenishing the patient's glucose levels to ensure their safety and recovery.

In the case of a patient experiencing hypoglycemia, providing oral glucose is the appropriate intervention if the patient is conscious. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can cause confusion, weakness, and even loss of consciousness, making it critical to restore glucose levels promptly.

Oral glucose is effective because it quickly raises blood sugar levels when ingested. This intervention is safe for conscious patients who can swallow without risk of aspiration. If the patient is unable to protect their airway or is unconscious, different protocols would apply, such as intravenous administration of dextrose or glucagon, depending on the situation and the EMT’s scope of practice.

Administering insulin, starting CPR, or performing a throat sweep are not suitable actions for a hypoglycemic episode in a conscious patient. Insulin would further decrease blood sugar, CPR is aimed at cardiac arrest, and a throat sweep is generally performed for foreign body obstruction, not for managing low blood sugar. Thus, the correct approach focuses on replenishing the patient's glucose levels to ensure their safety and recovery.