A patient who received 22 units of regular insulin an hour ago is now pale, sweaty, and has trembling hands, but is alert and able to talk. What is the nurse's best first action?
a. Prepare to administer intravenous (IV) glucose immediately.
b. Check the patient's blood glucose level immediately.
c. Notify the prescriber or rapid response team immediately.
d. Give the patient a snack containing protein and a complex carbohydrate immediately.
B
The symptoms that the patient is experiencing are associated with hypoglycemia and that is the most likely problem, although other health issues can also cause these symptoms. Because the patient is alert and able to follow commands, IV administration of glucose is not necessary and calling the prescriber or rapid response team is not needed. It may be necessary to administer oral glucose but there is time to immediately check the patient's blood glucose level to determine how much to give. An oral snack of protein and complex carbohydrate would not be useful for an actual hypoglycemic situation although it could prevent a later hypoglycemic episode.
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