What is the appropriate action to assist a person with diabetes experiencing low blood sugar?

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Prepare for the American Red Cross R.24 Lifeguarding Exam! Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question comes with hints and explanations. Ensure your success!

Providing candy that contains fructose or sucrose is the appropriate action for assisting a person with diabetes who is experiencing low blood sugar, a condition known as hypoglycemia. When blood sugar levels drop too low, quick-acting carbohydrates are crucial to raise the blood sugar levels promptly. Candy that contains sugar is effective because it can be quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, offering almost immediate relief from symptoms of hypoglycemia.

In contrast, giving a protein bar would not be as effective as it typically contains complex carbohydrates and proteins, which take longer to digest and won't provide the immediate boost necessary for low blood sugar. Encouraging someone to drink water is not beneficial in this situation because water does not contain any carbohydrates to affect blood sugar levels. Performing CPR is not relevant unless the person loses consciousness and is not breathing; in a scenario involving low blood sugar, the priority is to quickly address the hypoglycemic episode.