NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)Foundational Knowledge and Basic ScienceMedium
A patient is experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia, including shakiness, sweating, and confusion. Which of the following is the most immediate and appropriate action for a medical assistant to take?
- AProvide a quick-acting carbohydrate source.
- BEncourage the patient to drink water.
- CMeasure the patient's blood pressure.
- DAdminister an insulin injection.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Provide a quick-acting carbohydrate source.
Hypoglycemia is characterized by low blood sugar. The most immediate treatment is to provide a quick-acting carbohydrate to rapidly raise blood glucose levels.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Drinking water will not address the low blood sugar and could dilute electrolytes.
- C. While monitoring vitals is important, it is not the most immediate treatment for low blood sugar; treating the hypoglycemia takes precedence.
- D. Insulin would further lower blood sugar, worsening hypoglycemia.
Hypoglycemia Management
Hypoglycemia is a condition characterized by abnormally low blood glucose levels, often requiring immediate intervention.
- Symptoms include shakiness, sweating, confusion.
- Caused by too much insulin or not enough food.
- Treated with quick-acting carbohydrates.
Memory trick: Low Sugar, Quick Sugar