Paramedic National Registry Practice

If a neonate has a blood glucose level of 20, what concentration of glucose should be administered?

1. D5

2. D10

3. D20

4. D25

The correct answer is: D10

In the case of a neonate with a blood glucose level of 20 mg/dL, the administration of a solution with an appropriate concentration of glucose is crucial to effectively raise and stabilize their blood sugar levels. D10, or 10% dextrose, is commonly recommended for neonates in this situation as it provides a sufficient glucose concentration to quickly elevate blood sugar while minimizing the risk of potential complications from higher concentrations. D10 contains a 10% concentration of dextrose, which allows for relatively rapid correction of hypoglycemia while being safe for administration to a neonate. The choice of D10 is based on the need to balance efficacy in treatment and safety in dosage, considering that elders or more concentrated solutions like D20 or D25 could lead to hyperglycemia or osmotic diuresis in this vulnerable population. Administering a higher concentration solution, while potentially effective, carries a risk of complications that are especially concerning in neonates, thus making D10 the preferred choice in this scenario. Therefore, using D10 provides the right therapeutic approach for immediate treatment without exposing the neonate to unnecessary risks.