The nurse is planning discharge instructions for a client with type 2 diabetes who will be starting exenatide.
Which information should be included in the discharge instructions?
A.
Exenatide acts in the same way as insulin in lowering blood glucose.
B.
Inject exenatide within 30 minutes before or after a meal.
C.
There are no precautions about taking exenatide with other medications.
D.
Notify your healthcare provider if you start having abdominal pain.
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is D. Notify your healthcare provider if you start having abdominal pain.
Explanation:
Exenatide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used in the management of type 2 diabetes. It helps to lower blood glucose levels by stimulating insulin secretion in response to meals, decreasing glucagon release, and slowing gastric emptying. As a nurse planning discharge instructions, it’s crucial to educate the patient on potential side effects and important precautions related to this medication.
Option A is incorrect because exenatide does not act like insulin. While both are involved in glucose metabolism, insulin is a hormone that lowers blood glucose levels directly, whereas exenatide primarily enhances insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner and has additional effects on appetite and gastric emptying.
Option B is also incorrect. Exenatide should be injected within 60 minutes before a meal, not 30 minutes after. This timing is essential for optimizing its effectiveness in controlling postprandial blood glucose levels.
Option C is misleading. While exenatide can be used alongside some other medications for diabetes, there are important drug interactions and contraindications to consider. For instance, exenatide should not be used with insulin or other medications that increase insulin levels without careful management.
Option D is crucial information. Abdominal pain can be a symptom of pancreatitis, a serious potential side effect of exenatide. Patients should be advised to monitor for abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or changes in appetite and to seek medical advice promptly if these symptoms occur. This proactive approach can prevent serious complications and ensure timely management.
In summary, the discharge instructions must emphasize the importance of monitoring for abdominal pain as a potential sign of a serious side effect, alongside accurate dosing information and medication interactions.