Oral glucose is indicated for which condition?

Oral glucose is indicated for which condition?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Hypoglycemia
• C. Hyperglycemia
• D. Seizures

Answer: (B)

Oral glucose is used to treat hypoglycemia because the brain needs glucose to function, and a quick boost can rapidly reverse symptoms such as confusion, weakness, or altered mental status in a conscious patient who can swallow. It provides fast-acting sugar that is absorbed from the mouth and upper GI tract, helping to raise blood glucose promptly. It should not be given if the person is unconscious, vomiting, or unable to protect their airway, since there’s a risk of choking or aspiration. It isn’t a treatment for hyperglycemia or an automatic remedy for seizures; in a seizure, airway safety takes priority and glucose administration isn’t appropriate until the patient can protect their airway and swallow safely. So the condition indicated is hypoglycemia.

Oral glucose is used to treat hypoglycemia because the brain needs glucose to function, and a quick boost can rapidly reverse symptoms such as confusion, weakness, or altered mental status in a conscious patient who can swallow. It provides fast-acting sugar that is absorbed from the mouth and upper GI tract, helping to raise blood glucose promptly. It should not be given if the person is unconscious, vomiting, or unable to protect their airway, since there’s a risk of choking or aspiration. It isn’t a treatment for hyperglycemia or an automatic remedy for seizures; in a seizure, airway safety takes priority and glucose administration isn’t appropriate until the patient can protect their airway and swallow safely. So the condition indicated is hypoglycemia.