Glucagon is used for severe hypoglycemia and may be administered by a nurse with proper delegation.

Glucagon is used for severe hypoglycemia and may be administered by a nurse with proper delegation.

• A. Glucagon is used only in hospital settings.
• B. Glucagon prevents hypoglycemia from occurring.
• C. Glucagon is an emergency treatment for severe hypoglycemia and may be administered by a nurse with proper delegation.
• D. Glucagon raises blood sugar by itself.

Answer: (C)

Glucagon is used in emergencies for severe hypoglycemia when the patient cannot safely take carbohydrates by mouth. It works by triggering the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream, producing a rapid rise in blood glucose. This makes it appropriate for administration by a nurse who has proper delegation and training to give this medication during urgent situations, including in settings outside the hospital. It is not a preventive measure and is not intended for mild hypoglycemia that can be treated with oral glucose; its effectiveness depends on having adequate liver glycogen stores. It raises blood sugar specifically through hepatic glycogenolysis, not by acting on insulin or producing glucose through other pathways.

Glucagon is used in emergencies for severe hypoglycemia when the patient cannot safely take carbohydrates by mouth. It works by triggering the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream, producing a rapid rise in blood glucose. This makes it appropriate for administration by a nurse who has proper delegation and training to give this medication during urgent situations, including in settings outside the hospital. It is not a preventive measure and is not intended for mild hypoglycemia that can be treated with oral glucose; its effectiveness depends on having adequate liver glycogen stores. It raises blood sugar specifically through hepatic glycogenolysis, not by acting on insulin or producing glucose through other pathways.