Which of the following is a side effect of oral glucose?

• A. Hypoglycemia
• B. Hypertension
• C. HYPERglycemia, N/V
• D. Dizziness

Answer: (C)

Oral glucose is used to raise blood sugar in a conscious patient with suspected hypoglycemia, so the body level rise is the intended effect. Because you’re delivering sugar through the gut, the most likely adverse reactions involve the stomach and blood sugar levels. A rapid or excessive glucose load can push blood glucose higher than normal, leading to hyperglycemia, and it can irritate the stomach, causing nausea or vomiting. Dizziness and hypertension aren’t typical direct side effects of oral glucose, and hypoglycemia is the condition you’re treating, not a side effect.