The nurse is caring for a hospitalized child newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus. At 1100, the child suddenly complains of weakness, headache, and blurred vision. How would the nurse respond?

Give the child 1├ó┬üÔÇ×2 cup of orange juice to drink. These symptoms indicate hypoglycemia, a common early complication of diabetes treatment. Orange juice contains quick-acting sugars that can rapidly raise blood glucose levels and alleviate symptoms. This is the immediate action to manage the child's symptoms. Call the dietary department and ask that the lunch tray be delivered early. Delayed action compared to treating the immediate hypoglycemia. Contact the physician. While eventually necessary, immediate treatment of hypoglycemia takes precedence. Obtain a blood glucose reading. Important to confirm hypoglycemia but not as urgent as providing immediate treatment.