A patient with hypoglycemia presents with dizziness and sweating. What is the first nursing action?

• A. Notify the physician and observe.
• B. Provide a long-acting carbohydrate snack.
• C. Administer a fast-acting carbohydrate and recheck blood glucose in 15 minutes.
• D. Administer intravenous insulin.

Answer: (C)

Rapid correction of hypoglycemia with a fast-acting carbohydrate is the first nursing action. When someone is hypo and showing symptoms like dizziness and sweating, the priority is to raise the blood glucose quickly to restore brain function. A fast-acting carbohydrate—such as glucose tablets, juice, or regular soda—provides rapid glucose entry into the bloodstream. Administer about 15 grams of carbohydrate and then recheck the blood glucose in about 15 minutes. If still below the target (usually 70 mg/dL), repeat the dose and recheck again. Once the level is back in the safe range, provide a snack or meal if appropriate to prevent recurrence and according to the patient’s timing.

Avoid waiting for physician input before treating, and don’t administer a long-acting carbohydrate or insulin in this acute hypo state, since they won’t correct the immediate deficiency and insulin would worsen it. If the patient cannot swallow or is unconscious, use alternate measures such as IV dextrose or glucagon per protocol.