The primary assessment of a patient with suspected hypoglycemia should prioritize which action?

In a scenario involving a patient with suspected hypoglycemia, prioritizing the establishment of an airway and assessing breathing is essential because the patient’s level of consciousness may be altered due to low blood sugar levels. This decreased consciousness can compromise their ability to protect their airway, leading to a risk of airway obstruction or respiratory distress.

When a patient is suspected of having hypoglycemia, they may be confused, disoriented, or even unconscious. Therefore, ensuring that the airway is open and unobstructed is critical for any further interventions. Properly assessing the patient's breathing is also vital; if the patient is not breathing adequately or at all, immediate action can be taken to perform rescue breathing or CPR if necessary.

While administering glucose is important in treating hypoglycemia, it should only be done once the airway is secured and breathing is assessed; otherwise, the patient could aspirate or have further complications if their airway is not protected. Taking vital signs and reassessing blood glucose levels are important steps in overall patient care, but they do not take precedence over ensuring the patient's safety through airway and breathing evaluation in this immediate situation.