A nurse finds a client with type 1 diabetes difficult to arouse. What should be the first intervention?

The first intervention when finding a client with type 1 diabetes difficult to arouse should be to check the client's capillary blood glucose. This step is critical because it allows the healthcare provider to assess the immediate situation accurately. Knowing the client’s blood glucose level is essential in determining the appropriate course of action.

If the client's blood glucose level is low, the nurse can then proceed to administer oral glucose or another fast-acting carbohydrate if the client is conscious and able to swallow. Conversely, if the blood glucose level is high, this could indicate a need for insulin therapy or further management.

Taking this initial step ensures that the interventions that follow are based on accurate, objective data rather than assumptions about the client’s condition. This approach prioritizes patient safety by clarifying whether the client is experiencing hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, both of which require different treatment protocols.