In an emergency hypoglycemic event where the patient cannot swallow, which treatment is indicated?

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Multiple Choice

In an emergency hypoglycemic event where the patient cannot swallow, which treatment is indicated?

When someone is having hypoglycemia and cannot swallow, the priority is to raise blood glucose quickly using parenteral glucose or a glucagon alternative. The fastest, most reliable option is giving intravenous 50% dextrose (D50) as a bolus to rapidly restore glucose. If IV access isn’t available, administering glucagon by intramuscular or subcutaneous injection can raise glucose by stimulating hepatic glucose release. Oral glucose tablets won’t work because the patient can’t swallow, and an insulin infusion would further decrease blood glucose, which is precisely what you don’t want in this situation.

When someone is having hypoglycemia and cannot swallow, the priority is to raise blood glucose quickly using parenteral glucose or a glucagon alternative. The fastest, most reliable option is giving intravenous 50% dextrose (D50) as a bolus to rapidly restore glucose. If IV access isn’t available, administering glucagon by intramuscular or subcutaneous injection can raise glucose by stimulating hepatic glucose release. Oral glucose tablets won’t work because the patient can’t swallow, and an insulin infusion would further decrease blood glucose, which is precisely what you don’t want in this situation.

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