Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

Before administering glucagon, what must be done?

1. Shake the vial vigorously

2. Reconstitute it with diluent

3. Heat the solution

4. Mix with saline solution

The correct answer is: Reconstitute it with diluent

Prior to administering glucagon, it is essential to reconstitute it with a diluent. This is necessary because glucagon is often supplied in a powdered form within a vial, requiring the addition of a liquid (often a sterile diluent) to create a solution that can be safely and effectively injected. Reconstitution ensures that the medication is properly mixed and at the correct concentration for administration, allowing it to work correctly within the body to raise blood glucose levels, particularly in a hypoglycemic emergency. Inappropriate handling methods, such as shaking the vial vigorously, can damage the glucagon molecule and reduce its effectiveness. Similarly, heating the solution can cause degradation of the medication, compromising its efficacy and safety. Finally, mixing glucagon with saline or any other substance not specified in its reconstitution guidelines can also lead to ineffectiveness or adverse reactions. Thus, reconstituting with the appropriate diluent is the critical step needed before glucagon can be administered.