What should be done for all patients with altered mental status?

Conducting a fingerstick glucose test is critical for all patients with altered mental status because hypoglycemia is a potentially reversible cause of altered consciousness. Patients who present with confusion, disorientation, or decreased responsiveness could have their symptoms significantly improved by addressing low blood sugar levels.

Confirming the blood glucose level quickly allows healthcare providers to identify hypoglycemia and treat it promptly, either by providing glucose orally if the patient is conscious and able to swallow or intravenously if they are not. This immediate assessment can be life-saving and should be a routine step in evaluating patients with altered mental status.

While other imaging studies or IV medications may be necessary depending on the clinical situation, they do not address the immediate need to assess and correct one of the common and treatable causes of altered mental status. Therefore, performing a fingerstick glucose test is the most appropriate and timely intervention for these patients.