NREMT Paramedic Practice

What management step should be taken for hyperglycemia in gestational diabetes?

1. Administer insulin

2. Provide antihypertensive medication

3. Increase dietary carbohydrates

4. Encourage fluid intake only

The correct answer is: Administer insulin

Administering insulin is the appropriate management step for hyperglycemia in gestational diabetes because this condition arises due to an inability to effectively use insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. Insulin helps to lower blood glucose by facilitating its uptake into the cells and preventing excessive glucose production by the liver. In cases of gestational diabetes, maintaining appropriate blood sugar levels is crucial for both the health of the mother and the developing fetus. While fluid intake is important in managing overall health, it should not be relied upon solely to address high blood sugar levels. Increasing dietary carbohydrates would further exacerbate hyperglycemia and is not a suitable management strategy. Antihypertensive medications are unrelated to the management of blood glucose levels in gestational diabetes and are typically reserved for managing high blood pressure conditions, which may not directly correlate with hyperglycemic events. Therefore, administering insulin directly addresses the issue of elevated blood glucose levels effectively.