A patient with diabetes is awake, sweating, and confused. A bedside glucose reading confirms hypoglycaemia, and the patient can swallow safely. What should the nurse do first?
Correct answer: A. Offer a fast-acting source of carbohydrate
- A. Offer a fast-acting source of carbohydrate
- B. Administer the patient's scheduled insulin
- C. Ask the patient to walk to improve circulation
- D. Wait for the patient to become more alert
Explanation
An awake patient who can swallow safely should receive a fast-acting carbohydrate to correct hypoglycaemia. Insulin would worsen the low glucose, and delaying treatment increases the risk of seizure or loss of consciousness.
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About Clinical Judgement and Prioritisation
Clinical judgement links assessment findings, nursing knowledge and patient responses to a safe decision. Coverage includes ABCDE assessment, recognising actual or potential instability, prioritising airway, breathing and circulation, using urgency and risk rather than routine order, reassessing after intervention, and distinguishing a nursing priority from a medical diagnosis or a task that can wait.
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