Practice HESI Fundamentals Exam Related

Review Practice HESI Fundamentals Exam related questions and content

A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus is experiencing hypoglycemia. What is the best initial action for the LPN/LVN to take?

  • A. Administer glucagon intramuscularly.
  • B. Give the client 4 ounces of orange juice.
  • C. Give the client a snack containing protein and carbohydrates.
  • D. Encourage the client to rest until symptoms resolve.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The best initial action for a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus experiencing hypoglycemia is to give them 4 ounces of orange juice. Orange juice quickly raises blood glucose levels in a hypoglycemic client. Administering glucagon intramuscularly is not the best initial action for hypoglycemia; it is usually reserved for severe hypoglycemia cases. Giving a snack containing protein and carbohydrates is not as rapid as orange juice in raising blood glucose levels during hypoglycemia. Encouraging the client to rest until symptoms resolve does not address the immediate need to raise blood glucose levels in a hypoglycemic state.