Glucose gel contraindication?

Glucose gel contraindication?

• A. Conscious and able to swallow.
• B. Unconscious or unable to swallow.
• C. History of diabetes.
• D. On insulin therapy.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is airway safety with oral glucose. Glucose gel is given to someone who is conscious and able to swallow to raise blood sugar quickly without needing IV access. The major risk with giving oral glucose is aspiration if the person cannot protect their airway. When someone is unconscious or unable to swallow, you cannot ensure they won’t choke or inhale the gel, so giving it is contraindicated. History of diabetes or being on insulin therapy isn’t a contraindication in itself; those facts may explain why hypoglycemia occurred, but they don’t prevent treatment when the patient can safely swallow. When the patient is not able to swallow, you’d pursue other options (like IV dextrose or glucagon) and ensure airway protection.

The key idea is airway safety with oral glucose. Glucose gel is given to someone who is conscious and able to swallow to raise blood sugar quickly without needing IV access. The major risk with giving oral glucose is aspiration if the person cannot protect their airway. When someone is unconscious or unable to swallow, you cannot ensure they won’t choke or inhale the gel, so giving it is contraindicated. History of diabetes or being on insulin therapy isn’t a contraindication in itself; those facts may explain why hypoglycemia occurred, but they don’t prevent treatment when the patient can safely swallow. When the patient is not able to swallow, you’d pursue other options (like IV dextrose or glucagon) and ensure airway protection.