National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

What is the recommended action for a diabetic patient who experiences headache and shakiness after taking insulin?

1. Administer nitrous oxide

2. Wait until the patient feels better

3. Have the patient drink a soda

4. Ask the patient to take more insulin

The correct answer is: Have the patient drink a soda

The recommended action for a diabetic patient who experiences headache and shakiness after taking insulin is to have the patient drink a soda. This is due to the likely occurrence of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, which can result from taking insulin. Symptoms such as headaches and shakiness indicate that the blood glucose level may have dropped too low. Consuming a sugary drink, such as soda, provides quick glucose that can rapidly help to elevate the blood sugar levels back to a normal range. This immediate response is crucial for addressing hypoglycemia and alleviating the symptoms the patient is experiencing. Other options may seem plausible, but they do not directly address the underlying issue of hypoglycemia. Administering nitrous oxide is related to sedation and pain management and is not appropriate in this scenario. Waiting until the patient feels better could exacerbate the situation, as low blood sugar may lead to more severe symptoms if not treated promptly. Asking the patient to take more insulin would further lower the blood sugar, worsening the condition. Therefore, drinking a soda is the appropriate and immediate course of action for addressing the diabetic patient's symptoms.