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?

A. Complex carbohydrates take longer to digest and raise blood glucose more slowly, which is not ideal for immediate treatment of mild hypoglycemia. B. Glucagon is reserved for severe hypoglycemia when the child is unconscious or unable to take oral carbohydrates. The child in this scenario is alert and able to eat. C. Administering insulin would further lower blood glucose and worsen hypoglycemia; this is contraindicated. D. Giving 10 to 15 g of a simple carbohydrate (e.g., juice, glucose tablets) provides rapid absorption and quick correction of mild hypoglycemia. After 15 minutes, blood glucose should be rechecked and a complex carbohydrate snack may follow to maintain stability.