Question

The patient has type 1 diabetes mellitus and is found unresponsive with cool and clammy skin. What action is a priority?

A. Obtain a serum glucose level.
B. Give hard candy under the tongue.
C. Administer glucagon per standing order.
D. Notify the health care provider.

Answer 1

The action that is a priority in this situation is to obtain a serum glucose level. Monitoring the glucose level will help determine the appropriate course of action, such as administering glucose or glucagon.

Step-by-step explanation:

The action that is a priority in this situation is A. Obtain a serum glucose level. When a patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus is found unresponsive with cool and clammy skin, it is crucial to measure their blood glucose levels to assess for hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia can be a life-threatening condition in patients with type 1 diabetes, and prompt treatment is necessary to raise the blood glucose levels to a safe range. Monitoring the glucose level will help determine the appropriate course of action, such as administering glucose or glucagon.