What is the priority treatment for a patient with a blood glucose level of 48 mg/dL?

For a patient with a blood glucose level of 48 mg/dL, the primary concern is hypoglycemia, which indicates that the patient has an insufficient amount of glucose in the blood to meet the body's needs. The immediate priority treatment in such a case is the administration of glucose. This intervention raises the blood glucose levels quickly and helps prevent serious complications, such as loss of consciousness, seizures, or even brain damage, which can occur if the hypoglycemia is not addressed promptly.

Administering glucose, either orally if the patient is conscious and cooperative, or intravenously if they are unable to swallow, directly targets the underlying issue of low blood sugar. The other interventions listed do not address the critical need to increase blood glucose levels, which is vital for the patient’s safety and recovery in this scenario.