What statement indicates a client taking metformin needs further teaching?

What statement indicates a client taking metformin needs further teaching?

• A. "I will take this medication on an empty stomach."
• B. "I will take the medication with food."
• C. "I will monitor my blood sugar regularly."
• D. "I will follow a balanced diet while on this medication."

Answer: (A)

Taking metformin on an empty stomach is not the recommended practice, as it can lead to gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, or stomach upset. It is typically advised to take metformin with food to help minimize these side effects and improve tolerance of the medication. Monitoring blood sugar regularly is a key component of diabetes management and indicates an understanding of the importance of keeping blood glucose levels in check while on metformin. Following a balanced diet is also important in managing diabetes effectively and complements the action of metformin, which helps improve insulin sensitivity. Thus, the statement about taking metformin on an empty stomach highlights a misunderstanding of the medication’s administration requirements and indicates that further teaching is needed.

Taking metformin on an empty stomach is not the recommended practice, as it can lead to gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, or stomach upset. It is typically advised to take metformin with food to help minimize these side effects and improve tolerance of the medication.

Monitoring blood sugar regularly is a key component of diabetes management and indicates an understanding of the importance of keeping blood glucose levels in check while on metformin. Following a balanced diet is also important in managing diabetes effectively and complements the action of metformin, which helps improve insulin sensitivity.

Thus, the statement about taking metformin on an empty stomach highlights a misunderstanding of the medication’s administration requirements and indicates that further teaching is needed.