Why should a patient with hypoglycemia be assessed immediately?

A patient with hypoglycemia should be assessed immediately because it can lead to unconsciousness. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can result in a rapid decline of glucose supply to the brain, which is vital for normal brain function. When glucose levels fall too low, neurons cannot operate effectively, leading to symptoms such as confusion, seizures, or even loss of consciousness. Immediate assessment allows for timely intervention, such as administering glucose or other treatments, to prevent these severe complications and ensure the patient remains conscious and alert.

While the risk of falling is a concern and complications from high blood sugar are serious, they are not direct consequences of hypoglycemia requiring immediate assessment. Insulin is not immediately needed for hypoglycemic episodes; rather, a source of glucose is required to raise blood sugar levels. Therefore, the primary and critical reason for immediate assessment is the risk of progressing to unconsciousness if the hypoglycemia is not promptly addressed.