What is required from a patient before administering oral glucose?

For administering oral glucose, it is crucial that the patient must be able to swallow while also maintaining control of their airway. This is essential because administering glucose to a patient who cannot swallow safely poses a significant risk of aspiration. If a patient is unable to swallow and control their airway, any substance administered orally could potentially be inhaled into the lungs instead of being swallowed, leading to choking or aspiration pneumonia, which can be life-threatening.

The ability to reliably swallow also indicates that the patient's neurological status is likely sufficient to process and manage the glucose being given. In cases of hypoglycemia, it’s vital to ensure that the patient can safely ingest and benefit from the treatment. Therefore, confirming the patient’s ability to swallow and maintain an open airway is a key prerequisite for providing oral glucose effectively and safely.