Which of the following is an indication for oral glucose in an emergency patient?

Prepare for the EMT Exam with multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Enhance your knowledge with flashcards. Gear up for your certification!

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an indication for oral glucose in an emergency patient?

When hypoglycemia is suspected, giving oral glucose is appropriate only if the patient is conscious and able to swallow. Altered mental status can be a sign of low blood sugar, and in a patient who can protect their airway and swallow, oral glucose can quickly raise the blood glucose and improve mental status. If the patient is unresponsive or unable to swallow safely, oral glucose is not used because of the risk of choking or aspiration; instead, IV dextrose or glucagon is used. A glucose level higher than 70 mg/dL means glucose is not low, so there’s no indication to give glucose.

When hypoglycemia is suspected, giving oral glucose is appropriate only if the patient is conscious and able to swallow. Altered mental status can be a sign of low blood sugar, and in a patient who can protect their airway and swallow, oral glucose can quickly raise the blood glucose and improve mental status. If the patient is unresponsive or unable to swallow safely, oral glucose is not used because of the risk of choking or aspiration; instead, IV dextrose or glucagon is used. A glucose level higher than 70 mg/dL means glucose is not low, so there’s no indication to give glucose.

More practice questions