Which treatment is administered intramuscularly for adult hypoglycemia?

Which treatment is administered intramuscularly for adult hypoglycemia?

• A. Glucagon: 1 mg IM
• B. Oral Glucose: 15 g
• C. D10: 100 ml IV/IO
• D. Zofran: 4 mg IV/IO/PO

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is how to treat hypoglycemia when the patient can’t safely take oral carbs. In this situation, giving glucagon by intramuscular injection is the recommended emergency treatment for adults. Glucagon works by stimulating the liver to release stored glucose, rapidly raising blood sugar. The standard adult dose is 1 mg given intramuscularly, and it can be repeated if there’s no adequate response. Oral glucose is intended for patients who can swallow and stay conscious, not for someone who is unconscious or unable to protect their airway. A D10 infusion given IV/IO is another effective option, but it requires intravenous access and is not intramuscular. Zofran is an antiemetic and does not treat hypoglycemia. So, when prompt, route-appropriate treatment is required for an adult with hypoglycemia who cannot take oral carbohydrates, intramuscular glucagon is the correct choice.

The key idea here is how to treat hypoglycemia when the patient can’t safely take oral carbs. In this situation, giving glucagon by intramuscular injection is the recommended emergency treatment for adults. Glucagon works by stimulating the liver to release stored glucose, rapidly raising blood sugar. The standard adult dose is 1 mg given intramuscularly, and it can be repeated if there’s no adequate response.

Oral glucose is intended for patients who can swallow and stay conscious, not for someone who is unconscious or unable to protect their airway. A D10 infusion given IV/IO is another effective option, but it requires intravenous access and is not intramuscular. Zofran is an antiemetic and does not treat hypoglycemia.

So, when prompt, route-appropriate treatment is required for an adult with hypoglycemia who cannot take oral carbohydrates, intramuscular glucagon is the correct choice.