What is an indication for using oral glucose in emergency care?

• A. Chest pain
• B. Hypoglycemia
• C. Hyperglycemia
• D. Dehydration

Answer: (B)

Oral glucose is used to treat low blood sugar in a patient who is conscious and able to swallow. It works quickly by being absorbed from the gut, helping to rapidly raise the blood glucose level and restore brain function when hypoglycemia is present. If the patient is alert, give a fast-acting glucose source (like glucose gel or tablets) and monitor response; if symptoms don’t improve in several minutes, or if the patient cannot swallow or is unconscious, use alternate methods such as IV dextrose or glucagon per protocol. Chest pain isn’t treated with glucose in most emergency scenarios, hyperglycemia requires lowering glucose, and dehydration is treated with fluids, not glucose administration.