Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

What should be done if a patient is found to be unconscious and requires glucose treatment?

1. Administer oral glucose immediately

2. Consider intravenous dextrose

3. Wait for the patient to regain consciousness

4. Monitor vitals and administer water

The correct answer is: Consider intravenous dextrose

When a patient is found to be unconscious and requires glucose treatment, considering intravenous dextrose is the most suitable action. Administering glucose in an oral form, like oral glucose gel, is contraindicated for an unconscious patient due to the risk of choking or aspiration. The patient's inability to protect their airway or swallow increases the dangers associated with oral administration of glucose. In such situations, intravenous administration allows for a timely and controlled delivery of glucose into the bloodstream, which can quickly address hypoglycemia and improve the patient's condition. Introducing intravenous dextrose circumvents the complications that could arise from administering other forms of glucose to an unresponsive patient. While monitoring vital signs is a critical part of patient management, simply waiting for the patient to regain consciousness or providing water does not address the immediate need for glucose and can contribute to further complications. Therefore, considering intravenous dextrose is the most appropriate and effective intervention in this scenario.