First Action for an Unconscious, Clammy Diabetic Patient

Endocrine · Question from the ATI RN Medical-Surgical 2023 Proctored Exam study set

Correct answer: B. Check blood glucose

Why this is the answer

Assessment always comes before intervention. Unconscious and clammy could mean severe hypoglycemia OR a hyperglycemic crisis, and the two require opposite treatments — so the nurse must confirm which one it is with a glucose check before doing anything else. Administering insulin (A) would be dangerous and potentially fatal if the patient is actually hypoglycemic, since it would drop glucose even further. Giving orange juice (C) is unsafe in an unconscious patient because of aspiration risk, and it's also the wrong move if the real problem turns out to be hyperglycemia. Calling the chaplain (D) is not a clinical action and has no place in this immediate emergency sequence.

The bigger concept

This question tests the assess-before-you-act principle that runs through nearly every prioritization question on the exam: whenever two opposite conditions could produce a similar picture, confirm with data before treating, especially when the wrong treatment could cause real harm.

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