Which option is NOT a contraindication for giving oral glucose?

Which option is NOT a contraindication for giving oral glucose?

• A. Hyperglycemia, unable to swallow or follow commands, ALOC, N/V
• B. Hypoglycemia
• C. Dehydration
• D. Diabetes with normal control

Answer: (B)

Oral glucose is used to treat suspected hypoglycemia in a patient who is awake, can swallow, and can protect their airway. The main reasons to withhold oral glucose are situations that make administration unsafe or unlikely to help: if the patient is hyperglycemic (adding sugar would worsen high blood sugar), if they cannot swallow or follow commands or are not alert (risk of choking or aspiration), and if they are vomiting (also a choking risk and poor absorption). Dehydration by itself isn’t an absolute barrier to giving oral glucose, and diabetes with normal control isn’t a sign of hypoglycemia. Therefore, hypoglycemia is not a contraindication—it is the indication for giving oral glucose.

Oral glucose is used to treat suspected hypoglycemia in a patient who is awake, can swallow, and can protect their airway. The main reasons to withhold oral glucose are situations that make administration unsafe or unlikely to help: if the patient is hyperglycemic (adding sugar would worsen high blood sugar), if they cannot swallow or follow commands or are not alert (risk of choking or aspiration), and if they are vomiting (also a choking risk and poor absorption). Dehydration by itself isn’t an absolute barrier to giving oral glucose, and diabetes with normal control isn’t a sign of hypoglycemia. Therefore, hypoglycemia is not a contraindication—it is the indication for giving oral glucose.