A nurse is caring for an adolescent client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus. The adolescent reports mild symptoms and a serum glucose level of 55 g/dL. Which of the following should the nurse give the client?

Hypoglycemia in clients with type 1 diabetes mellitus occurs when blood glucose levels fall below normal, often due to excess insulin, missed meals, or increased physical activity. Mild hypoglycemia (typically 50–70 mg/dL) is managed with rapid-acting oral carbohydrates to quickly raise blood glucose levels. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent progression to severe hypoglycemia, which can lead to confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness. Interventions depend on the client’s level of consciousness and ability to swallow safely. Rationale: A. Peanut butter contains fat and protein, which slow gastric emptying and delay glucose absorption. Although it may help stabilize blood sugar later, it is not appropriate for rapid correction of acute hypoglycemia. Fast-acting carbohydrates are required first to quickly restore serum glucose levels. B. A glass of orange juice provides fast-acting simple carbohydrates that are rapidly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. This leads to a quick increase in blood glucose levels, making it appropriate for mild hypoglycemia when the client is conscious and able to swallow. It is a standard first-line intervention for immediate glucose correction. C. Glucagon is indicated for severe hypoglycemia when the client is unconscious or unable to safely swallow. It works by stimulating hepatic glycogen breakdown to raise blood glucose levels. Since the client is alert with mild symptoms, glucagon is not the first-line treatment in this situation. D. Sugar alone in small amounts such as 1 teaspoon may provide some glucose, but it is not as effective or reliable as liquid glucose sources. Liquids are absorbed more rapidly than solid or granulated sugar. Therefore, oral glucose solutions like juice or glucose tablets are preferred for faster correction of hypoglycemia.