Final answer:
To treat hypoglycemia, a diabetic patient is recommended to consume fast-acting carbohydrates, such as eating 15 jelly beans, to quickly raise blood glucose levels. Candy bars and hard candies are less effective due to slower absorption.
Step-by-step explanation:
When treating an episode of hypoglycemia, which is a condition characterized by low blood sugar levels, it is important to quickly raise the blood glucose. This is typically done by consuming fast-acting carbohydrates.
The nurse's recommendation for a newly diagnosed diabetic patient to treat hypoglycemia could include: a. eating 15 jelly beans. Jelly beans are a type of fast-acting carbohydrate that can quickly raise blood sugar levels. Other options can include glucose tablets, fruit juice, or a regular soda.
Drinking a 12-oz. Coke could also work, as it contains a high amount of sugar, but it may not be the most recommended option due to its additional content and slower absorption compared to straight glucose products. Candy bars and hard candies tend to contain fats which slow down the absorption of sugar, making them less effective in treating hypoglycemia promptly. The best choice would be something that can raise blood sugar quickly and efficiently, such as the jelly beans or glucose tablets.