In a case with an altered level of consciousness, what is the most appropriate treatment after 10 minutes if the patient's BGL has improved but he remains confused?

Prepare for the COPR Primary Care Paramedic Exam. Practice with flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your certifying exam!

In a scenario where a patient presents with an altered level of consciousness and their blood glucose level (BGL) has improved but they remain confused, the best course of action is to administer oxygen and provide oral glucose, such as a tube of glucogel. This choice is based on several key considerations.

Firstly, oral glucose helps to ensure that the patient has adequate glucose available for brain function. Even though their BGL has improved, it is possible they still require additional glucose to fully resolve their confusion. This treatment approach is particularly useful if the patient is conscious enough to swallow and can tolerate oral intake.

Additionally, the administration of oxygen helps to support overall brain function and tissue oxygenation, which is critical in any patient with an altered level of consciousness. Oxygen can assist in delivering essential nutrients to the brain and promote recovery from any temporary hypoxia that may have contributed to the patient's confusion.

While the other options involve aspects of emergency care such as calling medical control or providing rapid transport, they do not address the immediate need to enhance the patient’s glucose levels alongside providing necessary oxygen. By combining both oxygen administration and oral glucose, the paramedic can optimize the chances of the patient's recovery and mitigate the risk of further neurological impairment.

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