RN Exam Practice
Pharmacological and Parenteral TherapiesQuestion 597 of 2368

A client who takes insulin is shaky and sweaty. The blood glucose is 58 mg/dL, and the client is alert and able to swallow. Which action should the nurse take?

  1. Give 15 grams of rapidly digested carbohydrate, such as 4 ounces of fruit juice
  2. Give dextrose 50% intravenously and then recheck the blood glucose in 15 minutes
  3. Give glucagon intramuscularly and then place the client in a side-lying position
  4. Recheck the blood glucose in one hour before deciding whether to give anything
Show answer

Correct answer: Give 15 grams of rapidly digested carbohydrate, such as 4 ounces of fruit juice

A client who can tolerate oral intake receives 15 grams of rapidly digested carbohydrate. IV dextrose or glucagon is for clients who cannot take oral treatment.

Source: Nursing Pharmacology, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Endocrine System: Insulin Treatment. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026