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During a hypoglycemic episode, the body's blood sugar level drops to a dangerously low level, which can lead to confusion, loss of consciousness, or seizures if not treated promptly. Administering dextrose intravenously is a rapid and effective treatment to quickly restore blood glucose levels to a safe range.

When dextrose is given intravenously, it bypasses the digestive process and allows for immediate absorption into the bloodstream, leading to a swift increase in blood sugar levels. This is particularly crucial in an emergency situation where the individual may be unable to swallow or consume oral glucose effectively.

In contrast, prolonged fasting would further decrease blood sugar levels, posing additional risks. Increasing workload would likely exacerbate hypoglycemic symptoms by increasing glucose consumption. The use of corticosteroids is not a standard treatment for hypoglycemia; rather, corticosteroids are typically used to manage conditions that require anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, not to address low blood sugar levels directly. Thus, intravenous administration of dextrose stands out as the appropriate and life-saving response in this scenario.