A child with diabetes reports that he is feeling a little shaky. Further assessment reveals that the child is coherent but with some slight tremors and sweating. A fingerstick blood glucose level is 70 mg/dL. What would the nurse do next?

Rationale: A. Offer a complex carbohydrate snack: Complex carbohydrates take longer to digest and raise blood glucose more slowly. In early hypoglycemia, immediate action with simple carbohydrates is preferred to quickly raise blood glucose. B. Give 10 to 15 grams of a simple carbohydrate: Simple carbohydrates, such as glucose tablets or juice, provide rapid absorption and quick elevation of blood glucose, which is essential in treating mild to moderate hypoglycemia promptly to prevent progression. C. Administer glucagon intramuscularly: Glucagon is reserved for severe hypoglycemia when the patient is unconscious or unable to swallow. Since the child is coherent and able to communicate, oral glucose administration is the first-line treatment. D. Administer a sliding-scale dose of insulin: Insulin lowers blood glucose and would worsen hypoglycemia. It is contraindicated when the blood sugar is low and the patient shows symptoms of hypoglycemia.