What is the appropriate first action for a conscious client with a blood glucose of 50 mg/dL who reports feeling shaky and sweaty?

The 'Rule of 15' is the standard treatment for hypoglycemia in a conscious, swallowing client: (1) Give 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate — options include 4 oz fruit juice, 4 oz regular (not diet) soda, 1 tbsp honey or sugar, 3-4 glucose tablets, 8 oz milk; (2) Wait 15 minutes; (3) Recheck blood glucose; (4) If still below 70 mg/dL, repeat the 15 grams of carbohydrate; (5) Once normal, give a snack with complex carbohydrate and protein to prevent recurrence (e.g., crackers with cheese, half a sandwich) if the next meal is more than an hour away. For unconscious clients: never give anything by mouth; administer IM/SQ glucagon (1 mg) if available, IV dextrose (D50) if access available, or call EMS. Common causes of hypoglycemia: too much insulin or oral hypoglycemic, missed meal, increased exercise, alcohol.