Glucagon for Hypoglycaemia — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyPharmacologyGlucagon for HypoglycaemiaMFDS Part 1

An adult patient with diabetes becomes unconscious in the dental chair. Capillary blood glucose is 2.6 mmol/L, and the patient cannot swallow safely. Which emergency drug should be administered while an ambulance is summoned?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Glucagon 1 mg intramuscular injection

The correct answer is A: glucagon 1 mg intramuscularly. The low capillary glucose confirms hypoglycaemia, and unconsciousness makes oral treatment unsafe. Glucagon mobilises hepatic glycogen, raising blood glucose; UK dental practices should have immediate access to a 1 mg intramuscular preparation. Call 999, assess and maintain the airway, and place a breathing patient in the recovery position. Once consciousness and safe swallowing return, give oral carbohydrate to replenish glycogen and reduce recurrence. Oral glucose gel risks aspiration in an unconscious patient. Insulin would worsen hypoglycaemia. Adrenaline is used for anaphylaxis or cardiac arrest protocols, while hydrocortisone is relevant to adrenal crisis rather than isolated hypoglycaemia.

Reference: Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme, Practice Support Manual: Medical emergency drugs, current online version, accessed 26 August 2026. https://www.psm.sdcep.org.uk/topics/medical-emergencies-and-life-support/medical-emergency-drugs/