For a diabetic patient who is unresponsive and cannot swallow, what is the recommended action?

• A. Give juice
• B. Do not give anything by mouth; call EMS and monitor
• C. Give insulin
• D. Shake and wake

Answer: (B)

The key idea is airway protection and waiting for professional help. If a diabetic patient is unresponsive and cannot swallow, you should not administer anything by mouth because there’s a high risk of choking or aspiration and it won’t help without a protected airway. Instead, call EMS immediately and monitor the patient’s breathing and level of consciousness, performing rescue breaths or CPR if needed. Once medical responders arrive, they can assess glucose and provide appropriate treatment. If the patient later becomes responsive and able to swallow, then oral glucose can be considered, but not while they are unresponsive.