Post-op day 1. Type 1 diabetic on insulin. Poor intake.
Now sweaty, shaky, and confused. Awake and able to swallow.
Fingerstick glucose: 48 mg/dL. Scheduled insulin due now.
◀ All casesCase 3 of 8
Case 3 · Hypoglycemia
Sweaty and Shaky
Bedside monitorLive
BG48
HR118
SpO297%
BP132/84
What do you do?
Answer: B) Give 15 g fast-acting carbohydrate
Treat now: 15 g fast-acting carbohydrate by mouth (like 4 oz juice).
Recheck glucose in 15 min and repeat if still under 70. Hold the insulin and notify the provider. Can't swallow? IV dextrose or glucagon per protocol.
WHY: Sweating, shakiness, and confusion are classic hypoglycemia. The brain runs on glucose. Treat first, then recheck.
RememberRule of 15: 15 g, wait 15 min, recheck.