After a client with type II diabetes consumes orange juice for low blood glucose, what should the nurse do next?

In the context of managing a client with type II diabetes who has experienced low blood glucose and consumed orange juice, the most appropriate next step is to provide additional food such as cheese and bread. This approach is based on the need to stabilize blood glucose levels after an episode of hypoglycemia.

Orange juice is effective in raising blood glucose quickly due to its high sugar content. However, to maintain these elevated glucose levels and to prevent future hypoglycemia, it is crucial to follow up with a more substantial source of nutrition that includes carbohydrates and proteins. Cheese and bread together provide complex carbohydrates and protein, which will help sustain blood glucose levels over a longer period and prevent another drop.

Immediate interventions, like obtaining a serum glucose specimen, while valid for monitoring, would not address the immediate need to stabilize the client’s blood sugar after treatment with orange juice. Administering insulin based on a sliding scale would not be appropriate after a hypoglycemic episode, as this could further lower blood glucose levels. Collecting a glycosylated hemoglobin specimen, though useful for long-term management of diabetes, is not relevant in the immediate situation following acute hypoglycemia. Thus, providing cheese and bread is the best next step to ensure ongoing stability in the client’s