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?

Choice A reason: 1 teaspoon of sugar provides only 5 grams of carbohydrate, which is insufficient to rapidly correct hypoglycemia. The recommended treatment for hypoglycemia is 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate. Therefore, this option is inadequate. Choice B reason: Graham crackers provide carbohydrates, but they are complex carbohydrates that take longer to digest and absorb. In acute hypoglycemia, the priority is to administer simple, fast-acting carbohydrates that quickly raise blood glucose levels. Choice C reason: 4 oz of skim milk contains approximately 12 grams of carbohydrate in the form of lactose, which is a simple sugar. It is rapidly absorbed and effective in correcting hypoglycemia. This makes it the best choice among the options provided. This is the correct answer. Choice D reason: Diet soda contains artificial sweeteners and negligible carbohydrates. It does not provide glucose and therefore cannot correct hypoglycemia. This option would be ineffective and potentially dangerous if relied upon.