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Oral Surgery · single question

A patient experiencing HYPOGLYCEMIA during dental treatment — what is the immediate treatment?

  1. Oral glucose tablets or sugar (if conscious); IV/IM dextrose if unconscious
  2. Insulin
  3. Oxygen administration
  4. Call 911 immediately without first attempting glucose
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Correct answer: A. Oral glucose tablets or sugar (if conscious); IV/IM dextrose if unconscious

  • A. Correct. For MILD TO MODERATE HYPOGLYCEMIA in a CONSCIOUS patient: give fast-acting carbohydrates ORALLY — glucose tablets, orange juice, regular soda, or glucose gel. The 'rule of 15': 15g fast-acting carbs, wait 15 minutes, recheck. If unconscious/unresponsive: 50% dextrose IV or glucagon IM/SC/intranasal. In a dental office, keeping glucose tablets is part of emergency preparedness.
  • B. Insulin would WORSEN hypoglycemia — never give insulin during a hypoglycemic episode.
  • C. Oxygen is supportive but not the primary treatment — glucose is the specific treatment.
  • D. Call 911 only if the patient loses consciousness or fails to respond to glucose — first attempt glucose administration.

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