Certified Emergency Nurse Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Prep

In treating hypoglycemia in a conscious patient with an intact gag reflex, administering 15 grams of rapid-acting carbohydrates is the most appropriate option. This method is effective because it provides a quick source of glucose to elevate blood sugar levels. Rapid-acting carbohydrates can include glucose tablets, juice, or regular soda, which can be easily ingested by the patient without the risk of choking since they are alert and have a gag reflex.

This approach allows for a direct and efficient means of addressing the hypoglycemic state in a safe manner. Monitoring the patient after administration is crucial to ensure that blood sugar levels stabilize and to determine if further treatment is necessary.

Other interventions, such as intravenous dextrose or glucagon, are typically reserved for situations where the patient is either not conscious or does not have the ability to swallow safely. Oral glucose tablets can also be effective but are better categorized within the broader term of rapid-acting carbohydrates. Therefore, focusing on the standard treatment of 15 grams of rapidly available carbohydrate ensures prompt and effective management of the hypoglycemia in a conscious patient.