What condition can result from quickly stopping a 25% dextrose solution?

When a 25% dextrose solution is abruptly discontinued, the body may experience a rapid drop in blood glucose levels, potentially leading to hypoglycemia. This condition arises because the dextrose solution provides a significant influx of glucose into the bloodstream. When that external source of glucose is suddenly removed, the body can struggle to regulate blood sugar levels effectively, particularly if the individual has become reliant on that dextrose for maintaining stable glucose levels.

In patients who have been receiving high concentrations of dextrose, it's essential to taper off the dextrose to allow the body time to adjust. If blood sugar falls too low, this can lead to symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as shakiness, sweating, confusion, and, in severe cases, loss of consciousness.

The other options, such as dehydration, hyperglycemia, and ketosis, are less likely to be direct consequences of abruptly stopping a dextrose solution. Dehydration is generally linked to fluid balance rather than glucose levels, while hyperglycemia would typically occur from excessive glucose intake rather than its removal. Ketosis usually develops in situations of prolonged fasting or very low carbohydrate intake, not from the sudden cessation of a concentrated sugar solution.