What should you consider if a child presents with altered mental status and hypoglycemia?

• A. Reassess airway
• B. Administer glucose
• C. Observe for seizures
• D. Initiate CPR

Answer: (B)

When a child presents with altered mental status and hypoglycemia, the priority is to rapidly address the low blood sugar situation, as it can lead to severe neurological consequences if not treated quickly. Administering glucose is critical because hypoglycemia can impair the brain's function, leading to confusion, lethargy, or even loss of consciousness. By providing glucose, you are addressing the immediate metabolic needs of the brain and helping to restore normal cognitive function.

In this context, while other actions such as reassessing the airway or observing for seizures are important in a complete assessment and management plan, they do not address the immediate life-threatening condition of hypoglycemia. Initiating CPR is a response to cardiac arrest scenarios, which is not indicated until the patient is confirmed to have no pulse or effective respiration, making glucose administration the clear priority in this situation.