The indication for glucose administration is symptomatic hypoglycemia in a patient who can do what?

The indication for glucose administration is symptomatic hypoglycemia in a patient who can do what?

• A. Read aloud
• B. Stand unassisted
• C. Protect their airway
• D. Stand still

Answer: (C)

Oral glucose for symptomatic hypoglycemia is given only when the patient can protect their airway, meaning they are awake enough to swallow and won’t aspirate if nausea or vomiting occurs. If airway protection is compromised, giving oral glucose isn’t safe, and you would use an alternative approach such as IV dextrose or glucagon per protocol. The other options don’t relate to the safety of swallowing or preventing aspiration, so they don’t indicate readiness to receive oral glucose.

Oral glucose for symptomatic hypoglycemia is given only when the patient can protect their airway, meaning they are awake enough to swallow and won’t aspirate if nausea or vomiting occurs. If airway protection is compromised, giving oral glucose isn’t safe, and you would use an alternative approach such as IV dextrose or glucagon per protocol. The other options don’t relate to the safety of swallowing or preventing aspiration, so they don’t indicate readiness to receive oral glucose.