Which scenario would prevent you from giving oral glucose?

• A. The patient is unresponsive
• B. The patient is able to swallow
• C. The patient is conscious
• D. The patient is diabetic

Answer: (A)

Oral glucose is given only when the person is awake and able to swallow safely. If someone is unresponsive, they cannot protect their airway and could choke or aspirate the glucose into the lungs, which is dangerous. In that scenario you should not give oral glucose; instead, seek emergency care and follow your protocol for hypoglycemia, which may involve checking blood glucose and administering glucose through an IV or other medical route if trained, once the patient is able to swallow again or until help arrives.

Being able to swallow and being conscious are the conditions that allow safe oral glucose administration. Diabetes by itself isn’t a reason to withhold oral glucose; the decision hinges on the person’s ability to swallow and protect their airway.