A client with type 1 diabetes is awake, can swallow, and rep… | MyMerci
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Medical EmergenciesPA
Question
A client with type 1 diabetes is awake, can swallow, and reports shakiness. The point-of-care glucose is 52 mg/dL. Which action should the nurse take?
1Keep the client NPO while waiting for the provider to evaluate the client.
2Administer the prescribed long-acting insulin and provide the client's meal tray.
3Give 15 g of rapid-acting carbohydrate and recheck glucose in 15 minutes.✓ Correct answer
4Give glucagon by intramuscular injection as the first intervention.
Explanation
The client has symptomatic hypoglycemia and is awake and able to swallow, so oral rapid-acting carbohydrate is indicated. The 15-15 approach gives 15 g carbohydrate and rechecks glucose after 15 minutes. Glucagon is reserved for severe hypoglycemia when the client cannot safely take oral carbohydrate.
Clinical Judgment Airway and swallowing are intact, so use oral fast carbohydrate before parenteral rescue medication.
Memory Tip Awake and swallow: 15 g now, recheck in 15 minutes.
KR vs US NCLEX commonly tests the route decision: oral carbohydrate for conscious clients, glucagon for severe or unsafe swallowing.
Clinical scenario
Clinical Practice Guide CDC low blood sugar guidance describes the 15-15 rule: take 15 grams of carbohydrate, wait 15 minutes, and check glucose again.
Caution Avoid overtreatment with high-fat foods because absorption can be delayed.
Key concepts
Hypoglycemia — Low blood glucose that may cause shakiness, sweating, confusion, tachycardia, or seizure if untreated.
Oral Glucose — Fast-acting carbohydrate given by mouth when the client is alert and can swallow safely.
Rule of 15 — A common low glucose response: 15 g carbohydrate, wait 15 minutes, and recheck glucose.