What is the dose of D10 for treating hypoglycemia in altered mental status?

What is the dose of D10 for treating hypoglycemia in altered mental status?

• A. 50 g IV/IO (500 mL)
• B. 10 g IV/IO (100 mL)
• C. 5 g IV/IO (50 mL)
• D. 25 g IV/IO (250 mL)

Answer: (D)

When treating hypoglycemia with altered mental status, the goal is to deliver a total of 25 grams of dextrose quickly. Using a 10% dextrose solution means 10 grams of dextrose per 100 milliliters, so to reach 25 grams you administer 250 milliliters. Therefore, the correct dose is 25 g IV/IO as 250 mL of D10W. The other options either provide too little glucose to reliably raise the blood sugar in someone with AMS, or too much in one dose, which isn’t necessary at this step and increases osmotic load.

When treating hypoglycemia with altered mental status, the goal is to deliver a total of 25 grams of dextrose quickly. Using a 10% dextrose solution means 10 grams of dextrose per 100 milliliters, so to reach 25 grams you administer 250 milliliters. Therefore, the correct dose is 25 g IV/IO as 250 mL of D10W.

The other options either provide too little glucose to reliably raise the blood sugar in someone with AMS, or too much in one dose, which isn’t necessary at this step and increases osmotic load.