Suspected hypoglycemia: If patient is awake and able to manage oral secretions, how many grams of oral glucose should be given?

Suspected hypoglycemia: If patient is awake and able to manage oral secretions, how many grams of oral glucose should be given?

• A. 5 g
• B. 25 g
• C. 15 g total (3 oral glucose tabs or paste)
• D. 50 g

Answer: (C)

When someone is suspected of hypoglycemia and is awake and able to swallow, the goal is to rapidly raise blood glucose with a small, easily absorbed dose of fast-acting carbohydrate. A standard oral glucose dose is given in a form that the body can absorb quickly—things like glucose tablets or a small amount of glucose paste—so it acts fast but isn’t excessive. After administration, recheck the patient’s status and glucose level after a short interval and repeat if necessary. If the patient cannot protect their airway or swallow, switch to non-oral treatment such as intravenous dextrose or glucagon. A dose that’s too small may not correct the hypoglycemia reliably, while a much larger amount isn’t needed for an able patient and could cause discomfort or complicate absorption.

When someone is suspected of hypoglycemia and is awake and able to swallow, the goal is to rapidly raise blood glucose with a small, easily absorbed dose of fast-acting carbohydrate. A standard oral glucose dose is given in a form that the body can absorb quickly—things like glucose tablets or a small amount of glucose paste—so it acts fast but isn’t excessive. After administration, recheck the patient’s status and glucose level after a short interval and repeat if necessary. If the patient cannot protect their airway or swallow, switch to non-oral treatment such as intravenous dextrose or glucagon. A dose that’s too small may not correct the hypoglycemia reliably, while a much larger amount isn’t needed for an able patient and could cause discomfort or complicate absorption.