For altered patients with a blood glucose level of 80 mg/dL or less, what is the initial treatment option?

The initial treatment option for altered patients with a blood glucose level of 80 mg/dL or less is to give oral glucose if the patient can swallow. This approach is appropriate because low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can lead to altered mental status and other neurological impairments. Administering oral glucose helps to quickly increase the blood glucose level, potentially reversing the patient's altered state if they are conscious and able to swallow safely.

Oral glucose is a fast-acting carbohydrate that can be easily absorbed by the body, making it an effective way to treat hypoglycemia. It is critical, however, to ensure that the patient is alert enough to swallow safely without the risk of aspiration or choking. If the patient is unconscious or unable to swallow, other treatment options may need to be considered, such as intravenous dextrose.

In contrast, administering insulin would be inappropriate because it is used to lower blood sugar, not raise it. Providing saline IV may help in different medical emergencies but does not specifically address the immediate need to correct hypoglycemia. Waiting for medical support does not provide the timely intervention needed to treat dangerously low blood sugar levels, which can lead to serious complications.