A patient has been brought to the emergency department by paramedics after being found unconscious. The patients Medic Alert bracelet indicates that the patient has type 1 diabetes and the patients blood glucose is $22 \mathrm{mg} / \mathrm{dL}(1.2 \mathrm{mmol} / \mathrm{L})$. The nurse should anticipate what intervention?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In hospitals and emergency departments, for patients who are unconscious or cannot swallow, 25 to 50 $\mathrm{mL}$ of $50 \%$ dextrose in water (D50W) may be administered IV for the treatment of hypoglycemia. Five percent dextrose would be inadequate and insulin would exacerbate the patients condition.

A Patient Has Been Brought to the Emergency Department by Paramedics