Florida Home Health Aide Competency Practice Test

What should a home health aide do if a diabetic patient feels very nervous and jittery?

1. Take her temperature

2. Check her blood sugar level

3. Have her lie down

4. Give her a glass of orange juice

The correct answer is: Give her a glass of orange juice

In the scenario where a diabetic patient is feeling very nervous and jittery, the most appropriate response is to provide her with a glass of orange juice. This choice is significant because jitters and nervousness can be symptoms of low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia. When a diabetic experiences these symptoms, offering a source of glucose, such as orange juice, can help elevate their blood sugar levels relatively quickly. Orange juice contains simple sugars that can swiftly enter the bloodstream, providing immediate relief from hypoglycemic symptoms. This action is crucial in preventing further complications that can arise from low blood sugar levels, such as loss of consciousness or seizures. While checking her blood sugar level could also be an appropriate action to confirm if low blood sugar is indeed the issue, providing immediate food or drink is often prioritized in cases of hypoglycemia symptoms. Other options, such as taking her temperature or having her lie down, do not address the potential underlying cause of her symptoms effectively. By delivering a source of glucose promptly, the home health aide can help manage the patient's condition in a timely manner.