A 9-year-old with diabetes mellitus type 2 becomes pale and shaky during gym class. Their blood glucose level is 52 mg/dL. What is the school nurse's best first action?

A. Give 10–15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate: A blood glucose of 52 mg/dL indicates hypoglycemia. The priority is to provide a rapid-acting carbohydrate such as juice, glucose tablets, or regular soda to quickly raise blood sugar and relieve symptoms. B. Give a subcutaneous insulin injection: Administering insulin would worsen hypoglycemia by further lowering blood glucose. Insulin is used for hyperglycemia management, not in this emergency situation. C. Restrict fluids until blood glucose rises: Restricting fluids has no role in treating hypoglycemia and may delay the child’s recovery. Oral fluids containing glucose are essential in restoring blood sugar levels. D. Administer intramuscular glucagon immediately: Glucagon is reserved for severe hypoglycemia when the child is unconscious, seizing, or unable to take oral glucose. Since the child is awake and able to take carbohydrates, oral glucose is the best first action.