ACLS Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Practice Exam

Answer: C - Dextrose (50%) should be avoided unless hypoglycemia is confirmed in stroke or head trauma patients. This is due to the increased intracranial pressure from a stroke or head trauma. Dextrose has been shown to increase intracranial pressure and worsen neurological outcomes; therefore unless hypoglycemia is confirmed, dextrose should not be used. In hypoglycemic patients the correct dose for 50% dextrose is 25g. It is usually packaged as 25 g in 50 ml solution that is labeled as 50% dextrose in water.