Managing hypoglycemia in a conscious patient typically involves...?

• A. Administer 100% oxygen
• B. Administer 15-20 g of fast-acting carbohydrate
• C. Administer insulin
• D. Wait for symptoms to worsen

Answer: (B)

The main idea is to raise blood glucose quickly with a fast-acting carbohydrate when a patient who is conscious can swallow. About 15–20 grams of fast-acting sugar is the standard dose because it tends to bring glucose up rapidly without causing a large overshoot. Give examples like glucose tablets, a half cup of fruit juice, or a regular soft drink, and have the patient wait about 15 minutes to recheck their blood glucose. If still low, repeat the dose once, then once stabilized, follow with a longer-lasting snack or meal to prevent a rebound drop.

Other options don’t fit because oxygen is not a treatment for low blood sugar unless there’s a separate oxygen deficiency, insulin would lower glucose further, and waiting for symptoms to worsen delays potentially dangerous treatment.