At 2:00 AM. the CNA reports that a patient with type 1 diabetes is extremely wet with perspiration, is cool to the touch, and is complaining of hunger. The nurse instructs the CNA to check a capillary blood sugar. The CNA reports the result is 51mg/dL. Which of the following is the BEST nursing action:

A. Notify the night supervisor of the patient's deteriorating condition: While it’s important to keep supervisors informed, hypoglycemia needs to be treated immediately. The priority action is to raise the patient’s blood glucose level, not waiting to notify the supervisor. B. The patient is experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia, and the best initial action is to give a fast-acting carbohydrate like orange juice (about 15g of sugar). After 15 minutes, the blood sugar should be rechecked. Following the treatment with a complex carbohydrate and protein helps to maintain blood glucose levels and prevent recurrence of hypoglycemia. C. Ambulate the patient in the hall to use up excess glucose with exercise: Exercise can lower blood glucose levels, which would be dangerous in a hypoglycemic patient. The priority is to raise the blood sugar rather than use exercise to manage glucose levels. D. Give insulin by sliding scale based on glucometer reading: The patient’s blood sugar is low (51 mg/dL), which indicates hypoglycemia, not hyperglycemia. Insulin should not be administered in this situation, as it would further decrease the blood glucose levels.