# A client taking acarbose with insulin becomes diaphoretic and confused with glucose 48 mg/dL. Which carbohydrate should the nurse use?

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=522884&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Adverse Effects/Contraindications/Interactions  
> category: PPT

## Question

A client taking acarbose with insulin becomes diaphoretic and confused with glucose 48 mg/dL. Which carbohydrate should the nurse use?

## Option

1. Oral glucose tablets if the client can swallow safely **✔ Correct answer**
2. Table sugar dissolved in water
3. A candy made primarily with sucrose
4. Acarbose followed by a delayed meal

**Correct answer: 1**

## Explanation

Acarbose delays sucrose breakdown, so hypoglycemia should be treated with glucose or dextrose rather than sucrose. Severe impairment requires parenteral rescue according to protocol.

## In-depth explanation

Quick answer
Use glucose, not table sugar, for hypoglycemia during acarbose therapy.

Why this is correct
Acarbose alone does not cause hypoglycemia, but it changes how hypoglycemia from insulin or secretagogues should be corrected.

Easy analogy or mental picture
Build a medication-safety chain: identify the new cue, connect it to the drug mechanism or labeled limitation, stop preventable exposure, stabilize the client, and verify a measurable response.

Memory hook
Drug, urgent cue, protective action, and reassessment endpoint.

NCLEX decision rule
Choose the action that prevents the most immediate medication-related harm while preserving indicated treatment and required monitoring.

Why the other choices are wrong
Options that continue a suspect exposure, normalize a labeled danger cue, substitute an unauthorized dose, or delay escalation leave the client at risk.References
1DailyMed: Acarbose TabletsUse of glucose rather than sucrose for hypoglycemia

## Clinical scenario

Medication-safety review
Verify indication, current assessment, dose and route, organ function, interactions, urgent toxicity cues, authorized action, and measurable follow-up.

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