Applying the Rule of 15
Under the Rule of 15, a client who is awake and able to swallow and whose glucose is below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) takes 15 g of fast-acting carbohydrate, such as about 120 mL of fruit juice, then rechecks glucose after 15 minutes. The fast-acting dose is repeated only while glucose remains below 70 mg/dL. His glucose has risen from 52 to 72 mg/dL, so the treatment has worked and another fast-acting dose is not needed.
Preventing a recurrent low
Fast-acting carbohydrate raises glucose quickly but briefly. If the next meal is not due soon, glucose can fall again as the juice is used up, especially with insulin on board. Once glucose is above 70 mg/dL, the next step is a snack or meal. Because his meal is 2 hours away, the nurse gives a snack containing protein and starch, such as crackers with cheese or bread with peanut butter, to provide a slower, sustained rise. After correcting hypoglycemia, follow with a snack if the next meal is more than about an hour away.
| Step | Action |
|---|
| Glucose below 70 mg/dL, able to swallow | Give 15 g fast-acting carbohydrate |
| Recheck at 15 minutes | If still below 70, repeat the 15 g |
| Above 70 mg/dL | Give a snack or meal to prevent recurrence |
| Unable to swallow or unconscious | Glucagon or intravenous glucose as ordered |
Why the other actions are wrong
Another 15 g of fast-acting carbohydrate is not indicated because his glucose is now 72 mg/dL. Glucagon is reserved for a client who is unconscious or cannot swallow safely; he is awake and improving. Simply rechecking in another 15 minutes without giving food leaves him at risk of another low before the meal arrives. Watch out! Do not stop at the number; the Rule of 15 includes the follow-up snack. His diabetes caused by pancreatitis also makes lows more severe because glucagon secretion is impaired.
Exam takeaway
Treat, recheck, repeat if needed, then feed. Key point! Once glucose is above 70 mg/dL, give a snack with protein and starch if the next meal is not soon. The nurse also reviews the cause of the low, such as insulin timing, missed meals, or reduced intake during illness.