A patient with diabetes is sweaty, trembling and confused. The bedside blood glucose is 2.4 mmol/L, and the patient is awake and able to swallow safely. What should the nurse do first?

Correct answer: A. Give a rapidly absorbed oral glucose source

  • A. Give a rapidly absorbed oral glucose source
  • B. Administer the prescribed long-acting insulin
  • C. Restrict oral intake until the glucose is repeated
  • D. Give a high-protein meal without checking again

Explanation

The symptoms and glucose level indicate symptomatic hypoglycaemia. A conscious patient who can swallow safely should receive fast-acting oral glucose; insulin would worsen the condition, and a protein meal acts too slowly.

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Covers rapid assessment and stabilisation of patients with airway obstruction, respiratory failure, shock, cardiac arrest, sepsis, poisoning and major electrolyte disturbances. It includes triage, the ABCDE approach, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, ventilator and monitor care, emergency medicines and distinguishing life-threatening deterioration from stable illness.

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