Which treatment is appropriate for a patient with severe hypoglycemia?

Administering oral glucose is the appropriate treatment for a patient experiencing severe hypoglycemia, particularly when the patient is conscious and able to swallow safely. Oral glucose can quickly elevate blood sugar levels, alleviating the symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as confusion, irritability, or loss of consciousness. It is crucial to ensure the patient is awake and alert enough to swallow to avoid the risk of aspiration.

Other treatments mentioned are not suitable for treating hypoglycemia. Insulin, for instance, lowers blood sugar and could exacerbate the hypoglycemic state. Providing a high-fat meal is inappropriate because fats do not provide immediate glucose needed during an acute hypoglycemic episode; carbohydrates are necessary for quick absorption and effect. Administering a saline solution can maintain hydration but would not address the underlying issue of low blood sugar, making it an ineffective intervention for hypoglycemia. Thus, the use of oral glucose in conscious patients represents a direct, effective response to the urgent need for glucose in cases of severe hypoglycemia.