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In a patient experiencing hypoglycemia, the priority nursing intervention is to quickly restore normal blood glucose levels to prevent further complications. This involves immediate assessment and administration of a fast-acting carbohydrate if the patient is conscious and able to swallow. Example Nursing Steps: Step 1 – Assess the patient's level of consciousness and blood glucose level using a glucometer. Step 2 – If the patient is conscious and can swallow, administer 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate (e.g., glucose tablets, juice). Step 3 – Recheck blood glucose after 15 minutes, repeat carbohydrate administration if needed, and document the intervention and patient response. ADDITIONAL COMMENT: Hypoglycemia is an urgent condition requiring prompt action to prevent neurological damage. Use the "Rule of 15": 15 grams of carbohydrate, wait 15 minutes, and recheck blood glucose. If the patient is unconscious, do not give oral carbohydrates; instead, prepare to administer IV dextrose or glucagon as per protocol. Document all assessments, interventions, and patient responses accurately in the patient's medical record. ✅

What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing hypoglycemia?

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What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing hypoglycemia?

Asked on Jan 29, 2026

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In a patient experiencing hypoglycemia, the priority nursing intervention is to quickly restore normal blood glucose levels to prevent further complications. This involves immediate assessment and administration of a fast-acting carbohydrate if the patient is conscious and able to swallow.

Example Nursing Steps:

Step 1 – Assess the patient's level of consciousness and blood glucose level using a glucometer.
Step 2 – If the patient is conscious and can swallow, administer 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate (e.g., glucose tablets, juice).
Step 3 – Recheck blood glucose after 15 minutes, repeat carbohydrate administration if needed, and document the intervention and patient response.

Additional Comment:

Hypoglycemia is an urgent condition requiring prompt action to prevent neurological damage.
Use the "Rule of 15": 15 grams of carbohydrate, wait 15 minutes, and recheck blood glucose.
If the patient is unconscious, do not give oral carbohydrates; instead, prepare to administer IV dextrose or glucagon as per protocol.
Document all assessments, interventions, and patient responses accurately in the patient's medical record.

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What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing hypoglycemia?

Asked on Jan 29, 2026

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