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

What is the fasting blood glucose level that indicates hypoglycemia in Whipple's triad?

1. Less than 70

2. Less than 50

3. Less than 30

4. Equal to 50

The correct answer is: Less than 50

In the context of Whipple's triad, which is a set of clinical criteria used to diagnose insulinoma or other forms of hypoglycemia, the fasting blood glucose level that indicates hypoglycemia is less than 70 mg/dL. However, the specific answer indicating less than 50 mg/dL is particularly significant in certain clinical scenarios involving severe hypoglycemia, where the symptoms can become more pronounced. According to the triad, Whipple's criteria emphasize that low blood glucose levels, along with symptoms of hypoglycemia and relief of symptoms upon administration of glucose, are required for diagnosis. While any blood glucose level below 70 mg/dL is considered hypoglycemic, levels below 50 mg/dL often correlate with more severe symptoms and complications. Hence, it is important for clinicians to be aware of this threshold when evaluating patients presenting with hypoglycemic symptoms. Recognizing this, the primary focus on levels below 50 mg/dL underscores the seriousness of the condition and serves as a critical marker for intervention to prevent further complications.