Which patient is the best candidate for administering oral glucose?

The best candidate for administering oral glucose is a confused patient who has cool, clammy skin. This patient likely exhibits signs of hypoglycemia, which is characterized by symptoms such as confusion, sweating, and pale, clammy skin due to the body’s response to low blood sugar levels. Oral glucose is a suitable intervention in this situation because it can quickly raise blood sugar levels, helping to alleviate the symptoms of hypoglycemia.

In contrast, other scenarios provided here present risks or are not appropriate for oral glucose administration. A confused patient with suspected hyperglycemia is unlikely to benefit from glucose since their blood sugar is already elevated. A semiconscious patient with pale, clammy skin may not be able to safely swallow oral glucose, posing a risk of choking or aspiration. Lastly, an unresponsive patient who took too much insulin requires different management; administering oral glucose would not be safe, as the unresponsive state suggests a severe hypoglycemic event that requires intravenous treatment rather than oral. Therefore, the confused patient with cool, clammy skin is the most suitable candidate for oral glucose intervention.