Question

A patient has been brought to the emergency department by paramedics after being found unconscious. The patient's Medic Alert bracelet indicates that the patient has type 1 diabetes and the patient's blood glucose is 22 mg/dL (1.2 mmol/L). The nurse should anticipate what intervention?

A) IV administration of 50% dextrose in water
B) Subcutaneous administration of 10 units of Humalog
C) Subcutaneous administration of 12 to 15 units of regular insulin
D) IV bolus of 5% dextrose in 0.45% NaCl

Answer 1

The nurse should anticipate the administration of an IV dextrose solution to rapidly increase the patient's blood sugar level from 22 mg/dL, as the patient is experiencing severe hypoglycemia.

Step-by-step explanation:

Intervention for Hypoglycemia in Type 1 Diabetes Patient

A patient with a blood glucose level of 22 mg/dL is experiencing severe hypoglycemia which is a medical emergency. In such a scenario, it is important to quickly increase the patient's blood glucose level to prevent further complications. The nurse should anticipate the intervention of an IV administration of 50% dextrose in water (A). This is the correct intervention as it provides a rapid increase in blood glucose, which is crucial in this emergency situation. Option B and C which suggest the administration of insulin would lower blood glucose levels even further, which is counterproductive in this case. Option D, an IV bolus of 5% dextrose in 0.45% NaCl, would not raise the blood glucose as quickly as needed.

People with type 1 diabetes cannot produce insulin naturally, so they are at risk of both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. Insulin injections are typically used to lower high blood sugar levels, while dextrose is used to quickly correct low blood sugar levels. Timely management and understanding the unique needs of diabetic patients are crucial to their safety and wellbeing.