Hypoglycaemia Management — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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EasyPharmacologyHypoglycaemia ManagementMFDS Part 1

An adult patient with diabetes becomes shaky and sweaty during dental treatment. The patient is conscious, orientated and able to swallow safely. What is the most appropriate initial treatment?

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Correct answer: D — Give 15–20 g of quick-acting carbohydrate orally

The correct answer is D. A conscious, cooperative adult who can swallow safely should receive 15–20 g of quick-acting carbohydrate, such as an appropriate quantity of glucose tablets, glucose gel or a non-diet sugary drink. The patient should then be reassessed and further quick-acting carbohydrate given if hypoglycaemia persists. Five grams is insufficient. Slow-release carbohydrate and milk act too slowly for initial correction, although longer-acting carbohydrate may be useful after recovery to reduce recurrence. Glucagon 1 mg intramuscularly is reserved for severe hypoglycaemia when consciousness is impaired or swallowing is unsafe, rather than for the patient described.

Reference: Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust. Medical Emergencies in the Dental Practice, Hypoglycaemia section. May 2020; currently hosted and signposted by the SDCEP Practice Support Manual. https://www.psm.sdcep.org.uk/media/3hlkptix/medical_emergencies_in_the_dental_practice.pdf