How is hypoglycemia managed when IV access is unavailable?

How is hypoglycemia managed when IV access is unavailable?

• A. Administer glucagon 1 mg subcutaneously or intramuscularly; immediately proceed with oral glucose administration
• B. Administer oral glucose tablets
• C. Begin with IV dextrose immediately without glucagon
• D. Administer glucagon 1 mg subcutaneously or intramuscularly; if no improvement and IV access is obtained, start IV dextrose (10–25 g) promptly

Answer: (D)

When IV access isn’t available, the fastest way to raise blood glucose is to give glucagon by injection. Glucagon stimulates the liver to release stored glucose, improving hypoglycemia even without an IV line. It’s particularly useful when the patient may not be able to take oral glucose or when IV access is not yet possible. If there is no adequate response to glucagon and IV access is obtained, start IV dextrose promptly to deliver glucose directly into the bloodstream (typically 10–25 g). Oral glucose can be considered only if the patient is awake and able to swallow, but it isn’t the primary route when IV access is unavailable.

When IV access isn’t available, the fastest way to raise blood glucose is to give glucagon by injection. Glucagon stimulates the liver to release stored glucose, improving hypoglycemia even without an IV line. It’s particularly useful when the patient may not be able to take oral glucose or when IV access is not yet possible. If there is no adequate response to glucagon and IV access is obtained, start IV dextrose promptly to deliver glucose directly into the bloodstream (typically 10–25 g). Oral glucose can be considered only if the patient is awake and able to swallow, but it isn’t the primary route when IV access is unavailable.