Greater Miami Valley EMS Council (GMVEMSC) Protocol Practice Exam

In the case of a hypoglycemic patient who is unconscious, administering oral glucose is not safe or effective. However, if the scenario allows for safe administration of glucose where the patient is still capable of swallowing, the correct technique would be administering it under the tongue or between the gum and cheek.

This method enables the glucose to absorb through the mucosal membranes directly into the bloodstream, providing a quicker source of energy to a hypoglycemic patient. It is important to note that the patient must be able to protect their airway and have some level of responsiveness to prevent choking or aspiration.

The other options imply methods that are either unsafe (like trying to administer glucose directly into the mouth regardless of position, which could obstruct the airway) or ineffective since unconscious patients cannot swallow or guard their airways properly. Thus, the safest and most effective method is to place oral glucose under the tongue or in the cheek, where it can be absorbed without risking airway obstruction.