Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

For a patient found unresponsive with a blood glucose reading of 49 mg/dL, what is the most appropriate management?

1. Oxygen therapy only

2. Assisted ventilation, D50 IV, and oropharyngeal suctioning as needed

3. Immediate transport without treatment

4. Administration of oral glucose

The correct answer is: Assisted ventilation, D50 IV, and oropharyngeal suctioning as needed

In the scenario described, the patient is unresponsive with a low blood glucose level of 49 mg/dL, indicating hypoglycemia. In this case, the most appropriate immediate management is a combination of assisted ventilation, administration of D50 (50% dextrose) intravenously, and oropharyngeal suctioning as needed. This approach addresses both the low blood glucose and the patient's altered level of consciousness. Assisted ventilation is important because the patient may not be able to protect their airway due to unresponsiveness, which increases the risk of aspiration. D50 IV provides a rapid way to raise blood glucose levels, which is critical for restoring normal brain function. Since the patient is unresponsive, oral glucose would not be appropriate, as the patient cannot safely swallow, and this could lead to choking. Together, these actions directly target the hypoglycemic emergency, supporting the patient's respiratory status while rapidly correcting the underlying metabolic derangement. This management plan aligns with current advanced protocols for treating unresponsive hypoglycemic patients.