Moderate

A conscious patient with diabetes is sweaty, shaky and confused. The blood glucose is 48 mg/dL. What is the priority nursing action?

Correct answer: A. Give a rapid-acting oral carbohydrate

  • A. Give a rapid-acting oral carbohydrate
  • B. Administer the scheduled long-acting insulin
  • C. Restrict oral fluids until the glucose rises
  • D. Encourage the patient to walk to improve alertness

Explanation

A conscious patient with symptomatic hypoglycaemia should receive a rapidly absorbed oral carbohydrate, then have glucose rechecked according to local protocol. Treating the low blood glucose has priority because confusion indicates an immediate safety and brain-fuel problem; insulin and exercise would worsen it.

Submitted by a TestUstad contributor and published by the TestUstad editorial teamLast updated
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About Endocrine System

The endocrine system covers hormone-producing glands including the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroids, adrenals, pancreas, pineal gland, ovaries and testes. It explains hormone classes, target-cell responses, feedback control, and the functions of hormones such as insulin, thyroxine, cortisol, growth hormone and ADH, which is often confused with a kidney-produced substance.

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