The nurse caring for a conscious patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus who exhibits confusion, light-headedness, and aberrant behavior should first administer:

Question

A) IM or subcutaneous glucagon
B) IV bolus of dextrose 50%
C) 4 to 6 oz of a fast-acting carbohydrate such as orange juice
D) 10 U of fast-acting insulin

Answer 1

Ans: C
Feedback: This patient is having a hypoglycemic episode. Because the patient is conscious, the nurse should first administer a fast-acting carbohydrate, such as orange juice, hard candy, or honey. If the patient had lost consciousness, the nurse would administer either IM or subcutaneous glucagon or an IV bolus of dextrose 50%. The nurse shouldn't administer insulin to a patient who is hypoglycemic; it would further compromise the patient's condition.