A nurse is obtaining a medication history from a client who has systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and reports taking several herbal supplements daily.
The nurse should identify that SLE is a contraindication for taking which of the following herbal supplements?

Choice A rationale:

“Inject the medication into the subcutaneous tissue of your abdomen.” This is correct because exenatide is a type of medication that needs to be injected subcutaneously for it to be absorbed into the body properly.

Choice B rationale:

“Discard excess medication after 60 days.” This statement is incorrect because exenatide pens are usually good for 30 days after the first use.

Choice C rationale:

“Take the medication at bedtime.” This is incorrect because exenatide should be taken within 60 minutes before the morning and evening meal.

Choice D rationale:

“Contact the provider if you experience unexplained muscle pain.” While this is generally good advice when starting any new medication, muscle pain is not a common side effect of exenatide.

Choice A rationale:

Instructing the client to chew the medication is not recommended for enteric-coated tablets as it could result in stomach upset or damage to the protective coating.

Choice B rationale:

Placing the medication on the client’s tongue allows for easier swallowing without compromising the integrity of the enteric coating.

Choice C rationale:

Dissolving the medication in juice is not recommended as it could damage the enteric coating and result in stomach upset.

Choice D rationale:

Placing the medication between the client’s cheek and gum is not typically recommended for enteric-coated tablets as it could result in discomfort or damage to the protective coating.