In EMS, dextrose 50% is used to treat which condition?

• A. Hypoglycemia
• B. Dehydration
• C. Hypokalemia
• D. Anaphylaxis

Answer: (A)

The key idea is using concentrated glucose to rapidly raise blood sugar when a patient is hypoglycemic and cannot safely take glucose by mouth. Dextrose 50% is given IV because it delivers a high amount of glucose quickly, which is essential to restore brain function and consciousness in severe hypoglycemia. In adults, the typical bolus is 25 grams of glucose, which is 50 milliliters of D50W; in children, dosing is weight-based (about 0.5 g/kg up to 25 g, usually given as a 1 mL/kg of D50W). This approach directly treats the low blood sugar, unlike the other conditions listed, which require fluids for dehydration, potassium replacement for hypokalemia, or epinephrine and other therapies for anaphylaxis. Remember to use IV access and monitor for potential complications from rapid glucose administration.