Jones & Bartlett Learning (JBL) Module 4B Practice Exam

The action being tested is outside of proper practice because administering oral glucose relies on the patient being able to protect their airway and swallow. You want to confirm the patient is conscious, able to follow commands, and has a working gag reflex (an intact gag reflex helps prevent aspiration). If the gag reflex is absent or the patient cannot swallow, giving oral glucose is unsafe and should be avoided.

In proper procedure you would check that the medication is not expired, obtain permission or follow protocol from medical control, and assess the patient’s mental status to ensure they are alert enough to swallow. These steps ensure the glucose is given safely to someone who can protect their airway. The idea of ensuring absence of a gag reflex would actually increase the risk of aspiration, so it’s not part of the correct procedure.