What condition is oral glucose primarily used to treat?

Oral glucose is primarily used to treat low blood sugar levels, also known as hypoglycemia. When a person's blood glucose levels drop too low, it can lead to symptoms such as confusion, weakness, seizures, or even loss of consciousness. Administering oral glucose provides a quick source of sugar that the body can rapidly absorb, thereby elevating blood glucose levels and helping to alleviate these symptoms.

In cases of hypoglycemia, it's crucial to act quickly to restore normal glucose levels because prolonged low blood sugar can result in severe neurological impairment or complications. Oral glucose is an effective and straightforward intervention for conscious patients who are able to swallow and still have some level of cognitive function. This makes it a safe option in emergency situations when immediate treatment is necessary.

In contrast to the other conditions listed, oral glucose is not used to treat hyperglycemia, severe pain, or cardiac arrest. These conditions require different types of interventions, such as insulin for hyperglycemia, analgesics for severe pain, and advanced cardiac life support for cardiac arrest.