Pharmacology HESI Practice Related

Review Pharmacology HESI Practice related questions and content

A client with diabetes mellitus type 2 is prescribed metformin. What instruction should the nurse include in the client's teaching plan?

  • A. Take this medication with meals.
  • B. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
  • C. Take this medication on an empty stomach.
  • D. Report any signs of lactic acidosis to the healthcare provider.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client prescribed metformin is to take the medication with meals. Taking metformin with meals helps to minimize gastrointestinal side effects, which are common with this medication. Choice B, avoiding alcohol, is a good practice due to the increased risk of lactic acidosis when alcohol is consumed with metformin; however, it is not the priority teaching point in this scenario. Taking metformin on an empty stomach (Choice C) is incorrect because it can increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Reporting signs of lactic acidosis (Choice D) is important, but it is more related to monitoring for adverse effects rather than a primary teaching point for administration.