Final answer:
The best course of action for the patient displaying signs of a diabetic emergency is to administer oral glucose if possible and transport with close monitoring. Accurate blood glucose monitoring and management are critical in diabetes care.
Step-by-step explanation:
Given the patient's symptoms of confusion, cool and clammy skin, and history of diabetes, it is likely that he may be experiencing a diabetic emergency such as hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. With stable vital signs but a glucometer that is malfunctioning, the priority should shift to the prompt medical intervention. While repeating the blood glucose reading could be ideal, the immediate need is to address the patient’s potential hypoglycemic state, especially in light of his symptoms, which include confusion (a sign of inadequate glucose supply to the brain). Therefore, the best course of action would be either administering oral glucose if the patient is conscious and able to swallow or delivering other fast-acting carbohydrates, followed by urgent transport to a medical facility with close, continuous monitoring.
It is vital for individuals with diabetes to control stress, which can increase blood glucose levels, and to establish a strong support system of healthcare professionals and loved ones to effectively manage their condition. Regularly measuring blood glucose levels is crucial for monitoring and managing diabetes.
The glucose tolerance test (GTT) is a diagnostic tool used to assess how well the body processes glucose and can determine if a patient has diabetes mellitus. It involves a fasting blood glucose measurement, followed by ingestion of a glucose solution and periodic testing of blood glucose levels thereafter.