What is the purpose of using dextrose 50% concentration in EMS?

• A. To rapidly raise blood glucose in hypoglycemia.
• B. To treat dehydration.
• C. To promote wound healing.
• D. To alkalinize the blood.

Answer: (A)

Dextrose 50% is used in EMS to rapidly raise blood glucose in patients who are hypoglycemic. Giving a concentrated glucose solution directly into a vein provides glucose quickly, which is crucial when a patient cannot swallow or is unconscious and cannot take oral sugar. The rapid rise in plasma glucose helps restore brain energy and reduce signs of hypoglycemia, such as confusion or seizures. Because D50 is highly hyperosmolar, it should be delivered IV, typically as a bolus (about 25 g, which is 50 mL of 50% dextrose) in adults, with weight-based dosing in children, and it’s important to monitor for IV infiltration and tissue injury. The other options don’t fit because dehydration is addressed with fluids, wound healing isn’t an immediate purpose of a glucose bolus, and alkalinizing the blood is accomplished with bicarbonate, not dextrose.