In the case of a pediatric patient with a blood glucose level below 70 and no IV access, what should you do?

For a pediatric patient presenting with a blood glucose level below 70 mg/dL and no IV access, administering Glucagon is the appropriate response, particularly at a dosage of 0.5 mg if the patient weighs less than 20 kg. Glucagon acts as a hormone that stimulates the liver to release stored glucose, effectively raising blood sugar levels when the patient is unable to consume oral glucose due to altered mental status or inability to swallow safely.

This method is particularly useful in emergencies where immediate action is required, and intravenous administration of dextrose isn't an option due to the lack of access. The dosage is specifically tailored to the patient's weight, ensuring safety for small children and minimizing the risk of adverse effects associated with higher doses.

While encouraging the patient to eat sugar might seem like a feasible option, it is often impractical in cases where the patient cannot safely swallow or is unconscious. Additionally, performing nasal oxygenation does not directly address hypoglycemia and would not effectively resolve the patient’s low blood glucose levels. Overall, administering Glucagon provides a quick and effective method to combat hypoglycemia in pediatric patients when intravenous access is unavailable.