The nurse is providing care for a 54-year-old woman with insulin-dependent diabetes. The woman is pale, diaphoretic, groggy, and difficulty to arouse. Her blood glucose result is 49. Which of the following actions should the nurse take next?

Question

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The patient is experiencing hypoglycemia, and the blood glucose level is dangerously low. Glucagon can help increase blood glucose levels quickly, and administering it intravenously is the fastest method of delivery. The physician should also be notified, but immediate action is necessary to prevent further complications. Encouraging the patient to drink orange juice with added sugar is not the best option as it may take longer for the body to absorb the sugar and may not be fast enough to prevent worsening symptoms. Requesting a stat lab blood draw may also take too long to get results, and immediate action needs to be taken.

The Nurse Is Providing Care for a 54-Year-Old Woman with Insulin-Dependent