What is the glucose policy for administering treatment to altered patients?

The reasoning behind determining that administering oral glucose to a patient with a blood glucose level (BGL) less than 80 mg/dL, provided they can swallow, is based on the clinical management of hypoglycemia. When a patient presents with altered mental status or confusion, checking the BGL is a critical step in assessment. A BGL of less than 80 mg/dL typically indicates a state of hypoglycemia, which can lead to further neurological deficits and complications if not addressed promptly.

In cases where the patient is conscious and able to swallow, administering oral glucose is an effective and safe method to quickly elevate blood sugar levels. This intervention can help restore cognitive function and stabilize the patient's condition without the need for intravenous access, which can be more complex or time-consuming.

The other approaches outlined in the options do not align with the best practices for managing potential hypoglycemia in altered patients. For example, simply giving glucose when the BGL is above 80 mg/dL is unnecessary and could risk elevating the blood sugar too much in a patient who does not need it. Furthermore, administering glucose only if the patient is unconscious overlooks the importance of treating mild to moderate hypoglycemia in alert patients. Lastly, intravenous fluids can be