Question

An adolescent with type 1 diabetes mellitus is attending a dance in the school gym. The adolescent suddenly becomes flushed and complains of hunger and dizziness. The school nurse, who is present at the dance, takes the child to the nurse's office and performs a blood glucose level test that shows 60 mg/dL (3.4 mmol/L). What is the initial nursing intervention?

a. Give the child ½ cup (120 ml) of a sugar-sweetened carbonated beverage.
b. Administer a large dose of insulin.
c. Encourage the child to eat a high-protein snack.
d. In

Answer 1

The initial nursing intervention should be to give the child ½ cup (120 ml) of a sugar-sweetened carbonated beverage.

Step-by-step explanation:

The initial nursing intervention should be to give the child ½ cup (120 ml) of a sugar-sweetened carbonated beverage. A blood glucose level of 60 mg/dL (3.4 mmol/L) indicates hypoglycemia, which is low blood sugar. Providing a quick source of sugar, like a sugar-sweetened carbonated beverage, will help raise the child's blood glucose level back to a normal range.