Answer :
In response to a low fingerstick blood glucose reading of 60 mg/dL, the nurse should first give the diabetic patient 15 grams of carbohydrate and recheck the glucose level in 15 minutes.
If a nurse obtains a fingerstick blood glucose reading of 60 mg/dL from a diabetic patient, the first action should be Option B: Provide the client with 15 grams of carbohydrate and recheck the blood glucose in 15 minutes.
This immediate response is critical because a glucose level of 60 mg/dL indicates hypoglycemia, which requires quick correction to prevent further decline in the patient's condition and possible complications. Once the carbohydrates have been consumed, the nurse should monitor the patient's symptoms and recheck the blood glucose to ensure levels have returned to a safer range. If the blood glucose remains low after the initial intervention, additional steps should be taken according to the healthcare facility's protocols, which can include further carbohydrate intake or medical intervention.
Answer:
Option B, provide the client with 15 grams of carbohydrate and recheck the blood glucose in 15 minutes
Explanation:
In patients with diabetes mellitus, the general goal is to keep their fasting blood glucose (FBG) above 70 mg/dL and below 130 mg/dL. After meals, this goal is less than 180 mg/dL.
When a nurse obtains a glucometer reading of 60 mg/dL, this is an indication that the patient is experiencing a mildly hypoglycemic, or they have a low blood glucose level. Thus, the nurse will want to implement their facility-specific hypoglycemia protocol; this can involve immediate recheck to confirm the low blood glucose level, but is not necessarily an absolute step in the acute treatment unless the nurse suspects a factor affecting its accuracy may have altered the reading, such as site selection or not letting the alcohol dry completely.
The nurse will want to implement the 15-15 rule to treat this diabetic patient's hypoglycemia. This is where the patient receives 15 grams of carbohydrates (e.g. 4 ounces of fruit juice) to raise their levels and the blood glucose is rechecked within 15 minutes. The reassessment allows for the nurse to determine how effective those 15 grams of carbs were at treating their low blood sugar, as well as swiftly assess if the patient's symptoms persist, and decide next steps. If the patient is still below 70 mg/dL, they will need a snack with protein or carbohydrates unless they plan to eat within 30-60 minutes. If their level drops below 54 mg/dL, they may require a glucagon injection or 50% dextrose infusion.
Therefore, option B, is the correct intervention, per the 15-15 rule. 15 grams of carb and recheck after 15 minutes.
