What conditions must be present for the administration of Glucagon?

The administration of Glucagon is primarily indicated for patients experiencing altered mental status due to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when they are unable to respond to oral glucose or other means of taking in sugar. When a patient has altered mental status, indicating that they are not able to safely consume food or drink by mouth, the use of Glucagon becomes critical. This hormone works by stimulating the liver to release stored glucose back into the bloodstream, helping to quickly raise blood sugar levels and improve the patient’s mental status.

The other conditions listed—severe abdominal pain, respiratory distress, and severe dehydration—do not directly indicate the need for Glucagon administration. Severe abdominal pain may require other medical interventions or pain management, respiratory distress typically involves addressing airway and breathing issues, and severe dehydration would need rehydration strategies rather than glucose administration. Thus, the primary context in which Glucagon is used is in the setting of altered mental status related specifically to hypoglycemia.