Your patient is a 56-year-old woman with a history of type 2 diabetes who reports feeling dizzy. She is pale and diaphoretic. Her blood pressure is 80/60 mm Hg. The cardiac monitor documents the rhythm shown here. She is receiving oxygen at 2 L/min by nasal cannula, and an IV has been established. What do you administer next?
A. Glucose 50% IV push
B. Dopamine at 2 to 10 mcg/kg per minute
C. Morphine sulfate 4 mg IV
In this scenario, the correct answer is A. Glucose 50% IV push.
Explanation: The patient is showing signs of potential hypoglycemia (dizziness, pale, diaphoretic), especially given her history of type 2 diabetes. The low blood pressure further suggests she is likely in a state of shock, which may be related to her glucose levels. Administering glucose will help to quickly raise her blood sugar levels and improve her symptoms. Dopamine and morphine are not appropriate first-line treatments in this situation. Always remember to monitor her closely and reassess after administering glucose. If you need further assistance or a more in-depth explanation, please check the extended services page.