What is the next step for a patient with a history of alcohol use who suddenly becomes diaphoretic and tachycardic?

In the scenario where a patient with a history of alcohol use suddenly becomes diaphoretic and tachycardic, checking their blood glucose is a critical next step. Individuals with significant alcohol use are at risk for hypoglycemia, especially if they have not eaten recently. Symptoms of low blood sugar can include diaphoresis, tachycardia, confusion, and even loss of consciousness. Therefore, determining the blood glucose level is vital in guiding immediate care; if hypoglycemia is present, rapid treatment with glucose can prevent serious complications.

While administering intravenous fluids, calling for a physician, or initiating seizure precautions may be necessary actions in certain contexts, they do not address the immediate need to rule out hypoglycemia. Initiating seizure precautions may be relevant if there is a risk of seizures, often associated with withdrawal from alcohol, but it does not address the potential acute medical emergency that hypo- or hyperglycemia can pose. Thus, checking the blood glucose provides essential information to appropriately guide further intervention for the patient.