American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

What is the appropriate management for a patient exhibiting signs of hypoglycemia according to the rhyme?

1. Administer insulin immediately

2. Give glucose or candy

3. Increase carbohydrate intake

4. Provide intravenous fluids

The correct answer is: Give glucose or candy

The appropriate management for a patient exhibiting signs of hypoglycemia is to give glucose or candy. Hypoglycemia occurs when a person's blood sugar levels drop too low, leading to symptoms like shakiness, confusion, sweating, or even loss of consciousness. The primary method to quickly reverse hypoglycemia is to provide a source of readily absorbable glucose, which can rapidly elevate blood sugar levels. Glucose or candy, such as glucose tablets or hard candies, provides a quick and effective way to restore blood sugar levels to a safe range. This immediate action can alleviate the symptoms and prevent more serious complications, such as seizures or unconsciousness. While increasing carbohydrate intake and providing intravenous fluids may also be relevant in other contexts, they are not the immediate actions taken when a patient needs rapid correction of hypoglycemia. Administering insulin would be inappropriate, as it would further lower blood sugar levels rather than raise them.