MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

How can hyperglycemia be treated?

1. Provide insulin

2. Provide oxygen

3. Provide sugar

4. Encourage hydration

The correct answer is: Provide oxygen

The treatment of hyperglycemia primarily focuses on lowering blood glucose levels, and one of the most effective methods to achieve this is through the administration of insulin. Insulin helps cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream, thereby reducing blood sugar levels effectively and promptly. While oxygen may be necessary in specific medical emergencies or conditions that affect oxygenation, it does not directly address the underlying issue of elevated blood glucose levels. Although encouraging hydration can also be beneficial in certain cases of hyperglycemia, particularly because it helps flush out excess glucose through urine, it is not primarily considered a direct treatment for hyperglycemia. Instead, insulin provides immediate and targeted intervention to lower blood sugar levels, making it the most appropriate treatment option in most instances of hyperglycemia.