In a hypoglycemic patient with a glucose reading under 70 mg/dL who can take oral carbohydrates, the initial treatment is to give what?

In a hypoglycemic patient with a glucose reading under 70 mg/dL who can take oral carbohydrates, the initial treatment is to give what?

• A. Dextrose IV
• B. Give simple carbohydrates such as orange juice
• C. Intramuscular glucagon
• D. Hold feeding

Answer: (B)

When blood glucose is below 70 mg/dL and the patient can swallow, the quickest and safest way to raise it is with a rapid-acting oral carbohydrate. This approach provides quick absorption from the gut without needing IV access, making it ideal for a conscious patient who can take something by mouth. A common choice is orange juice or other simple carbohydrates, about 15-20 grams, which typically raises the glucose level promptly. After giving the carbohydrate, recheck the blood glucose in about 15 minutes and repeat if still below 70 mg/dL or if symptoms persist. Once stabilized, a snack or meal can help maintain the level. If the patient were unable to swallow or was unconscious, the management would shift to IV dextrose or intramuscular glucagon, which are used because oral intake isn’t possible in those situations. Holding feeding would not correct hypoglycemia.

When blood glucose is below 70 mg/dL and the patient can swallow, the quickest and safest way to raise it is with a rapid-acting oral carbohydrate. This approach provides quick absorption from the gut without needing IV access, making it ideal for a conscious patient who can take something by mouth. A common choice is orange juice or other simple carbohydrates, about 15-20 grams, which typically raises the glucose level promptly. After giving the carbohydrate, recheck the blood glucose in about 15 minutes and repeat if still below 70 mg/dL or if symptoms persist. Once stabilized, a snack or meal can help maintain the level.

If the patient were unable to swallow or was unconscious, the management would shift to IV dextrose or intramuscular glucagon, which are used because oral intake isn’t possible in those situations. Holding feeding would not correct hypoglycemia.