A nurse is caring for a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus who reports feeling shaky and having palpitations. When the nurse finds the client's blood glucose to be 48 mg/dL on the glucometer, he should give the client which of the following?

A. Diet soda contains artificial sweeteners but no sugar or carbohydrates that can raise blood glucose. Administering diet soda in a hypoglycemic episode is ineffective and could allow the client’s blood glucose to drop further, increasing the risk of severe symptoms such as confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness. B. One teaspoon of sugar provides only about 4 grams of carbohydrate, which is insufficient to treat significant hypoglycemia. The recommended initial treatment for symptomatic hypoglycemia is approximately 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate to quickly raise blood glucose into a safe range. Administering too little sugar may delay recovery and prolong hypoglycemic symptoms. C. While graham crackers do contain carbohydrates, they are composed mainly of complex carbohydrates, which are absorbed more slowly than simple sugars. In acute hypoglycemia, the goal is to provide a fast-acting carbohydrate source to rapidly increase blood glucose. Grahams are more appropriate for preventing recurrence after the initial treatment. D. Skim milk contains approximately 12 grams of carbohydrate in the form of lactose, which is a simple sugar that is quickly absorbed. It also contains a small amount of protein, which helps stabilize blood glucose after the initial rise. Administering 4 oz of skim milk meets the recommended 15-gram carbohydrate target for treating mild to moderate hypoglycemia in a client who is alert and able to swallow safely. After 15 minutes, the nurse should recheck the blood glucose to ensure it has risen to a safe level and repeat treatment if necessary.