What should be administered to a patient experiencing insulin overdose?

In the case of an insulin overdose, administering glucose is the appropriate response because insulin is a hormone that lowers blood glucose levels. An overdose can lead to hypoglycemia, which is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by dangerously low blood sugar. By providing glucose, you directly counteract the effects of the excess insulin, helping to raise the patient’s blood sugar levels back to a normal range.

While other options may be relevant in specific contexts, they do not address the immediate need to restore adequate blood glucose levels in an insulin overdose situation. Calcium does not play a role in managing hypoglycemia. Starting an IV may be necessary for fluid or medication administration in emergencies but wouldn't directly counteract the effects of insulin. Activated charcoal is typically used for certain types of poison ingestion but is not effective for insulin overdose, as it would not absorb the insulin effectively, and the clinical scenario requires immediate action to address low glucose levels.