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    Hesi rn 315 pharmacology proctored exam

    A client with type 2 diabetes mellitus is managed with glimepiride. The primary healthcare provider (HCP) adds a new prescription for injectable exenatide. Which information is most important for the nurse to teach this client?

    Explanation & Rationale

    A. Notify the healthcare provider if anorexia occurs: Anorexia can be a side effect of exenatide, but it is generally mild and often transient. While persistent or severe anorexia should be reported, it is not the most immediate or dangerous concern compared to the risk of hypoglycemia when combining exenatide with a sulfonylurea like glimepiride. B. Consume additional sources of potassium: Exenatide is not known to cause significant potassium depletion. Hypokalemia is not a common complication with either exenatide or glimepiride therapy, so there is no specific need to focus on increasing potassium intake. C. Watch for signs of jitteriness or diaphoresis: Combining exenatide with glimepiride significantly increases the risk of hypoglycemia. Symptoms like jitteriness, diaphoresis, shakiness, and confusion are hallmark signs of low blood sugar, making it crucial to educate the client to recognize and manage hypoglycemia promptly. D. Administer subcutaneously after meals: Exenatide should be administered subcutaneously, but it must be given before meals, typically within 60 minutes prior to eating. Administering it after meals would decrease its effectiveness in controlling postprandial blood glucose spikes.

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