What should be administered in case of an insulin overdose?

Prepare for the Qualified Medication Assistant (QMA) Insulin Exam. Access multiple choice questions with detailed explanations. Enhance your readiness and confidence for the test!

In the event of an insulin overdose, administering glucose or glucagon is essential because they counteract the effects of excess insulin in the body. When someone receives too much insulin, their blood sugar levels can drop to dangerously low levels, a condition known as hypoglycemia.

Glucose, either in oral form (like glucose tablets or sugary foods) or intravenous (IV) form for severe cases, directly increases blood sugar levels and helps restore balance. Glucagon, a hormone produced by the pancreas, prompts the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream, providing a rapid response to elevate blood sugar levels.

The other choices would not be effective in treating hypoglycemia caused by an insulin overdose. Water would not address the low blood sugar directly, and vitamin supplements have no role in acute sugar management. Re-administering insulin would only exacerbate the hypoglycemic condition and increase the risk of serious complications. Thus, glucose or glucagon is the correct choice for treatment in an insulin overdose situation.

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