What is the immediate nursing intervention for hypoglycemia (BG < 70 mg/dL)?

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Multiple Choice

What is the immediate nursing intervention for hypoglycemia (BG < 70 mg/dL)?

When blood glucose falls below 70 mg/dL, the priority is to raise it quickly with a fast-acting carbohydrate and then verify the effect. Give about 15–20 grams of a rapid-acting carbohydrate (such as glucose tablets, juice, or regular soda) and have the patient swallow. Recheck the blood glucose in about 15 minutes. If it’s still under 70, repeat the carbohydrate dose and recheck again. Once it’s back to normal, follow with a small snack or meal to prevent another drop and review insulin or medication adjustments as needed. If the patient cannot swallow or is unconscious, use alternative measures like IV dextrose or glucagon per protocol. This approach directly addresses the low glucose quickly and confirms the patient’s response.

When blood glucose falls below 70 mg/dL, the priority is to raise it quickly with a fast-acting carbohydrate and then verify the effect. Give about 15–20 grams of a rapid-acting carbohydrate (such as glucose tablets, juice, or regular soda) and have the patient swallow. Recheck the blood glucose in about 15 minutes. If it’s still under 70, repeat the carbohydrate dose and recheck again. Once it’s back to normal, follow with a small snack or meal to prevent another drop and review insulin or medication adjustments as needed. If the patient cannot swallow or is unconscious, use alternative measures like IV dextrose or glucagon per protocol. This approach directly addresses the low glucose quickly and confirms the patient’s response.

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