Question

An unresponsive client is admitted to the emergency room with a history of diabetes mellitus. The client's skin is cold and clammy, and her blood pressure reading is \(82 / 56\). The first step in emergency treatment of the client's symptoms would be: A. Checking the client's blood sugar B. Administering intravenous dextrose C. Intubation and ventilator support D. Administering regular insulin

Short answer

Answer: Administering intravenous dextrose is the most appropriate first step in treating the unresponsive client, as it provides an immediate glucose source to help stabilize their condition.

Step-by-step solution

Evaluate the symptoms and the urgency of the situation

The client is unresponsive, has cold and clammy skin, and a low blood pressure of \(82/56\). These symptoms indicate an urgent situation that needs immediate intervention. Let us examine the given options to determine the most appropriate first step.

Analyze the given options

We have four options for the first step in treating the client's symptoms: A. Checking the client's blood sugar: This is important for a diabetic patient, but it would not help in stabilizing their current condition. B. Administering intravenous dextrose: This can provide an immediate glucose source for the patient, which might help in stabilizing their condition if it is caused by low blood sugar. C. Intubation and ventilator support: This is usually needed in severe cases where patients have difficulty breathing or maintaining oxygen levels but is not directly related to diabetes. D. Administering regular insulin: Insulin might help regulate a diabetic patient's blood sugar levels, but administering insulin in an emergency situation without any information on the patient's current blood sugar can risk causing further harm.

Determine the most appropriate first step

Considering the possible benefits and risks, the most appropriate first step in treating the unresponsive client with diabetes mellitus would be administering intravenous dextrose (Option B). This ensures that the client receives an immediate glucose source to help stabilize their condition, before other interventions like checking blood sugar levels and administering insulin are carried out.