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?

Rationale: A. Graham crackers: A serving of graham crackers provides about 15 g of fast-acting carbohydrates, which is the recommended initial treatment for mild hypoglycemia in a conscious client. This amount is effective in raising blood glucose quickly and safely. B. 1 tsp sugar: While sugar contains glucose, 1 teaspoon provides only about 4 g of carbohydrate, which is not enough to adequately correct hypoglycemia. The goal is to administer 15 g of carbohydrates to promptly raise blood glucose. C. 4 oz diet soda: Diet soda contains artificial sweeteners rather than carbohydrates, so it does not raise blood glucose. Giving this would not address the client’s hypoglycemia and could delay proper treatment. D. 4 oz skim milk: Skim milk contains some carbohydrate in the form of lactose, but 4 oz provides only about 6 g. This is insufficient to meet the recommended 15 g of carbohydrate needed for hypoglycemia correction.