Pharmacy PEBC Practice Exam

JQ is a 67 year old male with type 2 diabetes that is controlled with insulin. Today, JQ’s wife calls the pharmacist to inquire what to do regarding JQ’s very low blood glucose reading (2.8 mmol/L). She also notes that he seems to be confused. JQ’s wife should be instructed to:

1. Take JQ immediately to the nearest emergency department.

2. Have JQ eat a carbohydrate-rich meal and retest in 1 hour.

3. Give JQ a 15-20 gram glucose supplement and retest in 15 minutes.

4. Retest JQ’s blood glucose level in 1 hour and phone back if it remains low.

The correct answer is: Give JQ a 15-20 gram glucose supplement and retest in 15 minutes.

Option A is incorrect because JQ's low blood glucose reading and confusion could indicate a hypoglycemic emergency that requires immediate attention. Taking him to the nearest emergency department would be the best course of action. Option B is incorrect because JQ's blood glucose level is already very low and waiting another hour could cause further complications. It is important to raise his blood sugar levels as soon as possible. Option D is incorrect because waiting another hour to retest his blood glucose level could be dangerous, as his levels are already very low. Immediate action is required to raise his blood sugar levels. Therefore, option C is the best course of action as it suggests giving JQ a fast-acting glucose supplement to raise his blood sugar levels and retesting in 15 minutes to ensure they have returned to a safe range. This option addresses the immediate concern of JQ's low blood glucose levels and