What treatment should be provided to a patient with a BGL of 3.0 and a history of not eating well?

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!

Administering oral glucose is the appropriate treatment for a patient with a blood glucose level (BGL) of 3.0 mmol/L, particularly in the context of a history of not eating well. This indicates that the patient is experiencing hypoglycemia, which can lead to various symptoms, including confusion, agitation, and loss of consciousness.

Oral glucose provides a quick source of glucose that can help rapidly elevate the patient's blood sugar level. Since the BGL is significantly low, addressing this condition promptly is critical to prevent further complications such as seizures or loss of consciousness.

In this scenario, oral glucose is preferred if the patient is conscious and able to swallow safely. If they were unable to manage oral intake due to altered consciousness or swallowing difficulties, then alternative treatments like intravenous glucose or glucagon might be considered, but those are not the focus here given the clarity of administering oral glucose safely in this instance. Additionally, while providing oxygen can be important in various medical situations, it does not directly address the low blood sugar issue at hand. Transporting the patient without treatment may not adequately resolve the immediate concern of hypoglycemia, risking further deterioration of the patient's condition.

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