While ambulating, a patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus becomes diaphoretic and complains of hunger. A capillary blood glucose level measures 45 mg/dL. Which of the following should the nurse plan to provide to this patient?
1. 20 to 30 grams of oral carbohydrates
2. 10 to 15 grams of oral carbohydrates
3. a 50 gram glucose iv bolus
4. an infusion of 10 percent dextrose in water
1
Rationale: When blood glucose levels are less than 50 mg/dL, 20 to 30 grams of glucose or carbohydrate should be given. Ten to 15 grams of glucose or carbohydrate would be indicated when the blood glucose is greater than 50 but less than 70 mg/dL. An intravenous bolus of 50 grams of glucose is not necessary because the patient is not unconscious. A 10 percent dextrose infusion would also not be necessary and would not provide sufficient glucose.
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