The nurse is aware that which insulins are long-acting and should be administered once daily at bedtime? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A rationale:

Respiratory distress is not a direct side effect of metformin. While metformin can cause a rare condition called lactic acidosis, which can lead to rapid breathing, respiratory distress is not a primary concern with metformin use.

Respiratory distress typically involves difficulty breathing due to other causes such as asthma, pneumonia, heart failure, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Choice B rationale:

Seizures are not a known side effect of metformin.

Seizures are typically associated with neurological conditions, such as epilepsy, or metabolic disturbances such as hypoglycemia or electrolyte imbalances.

Metformin does not directly affect the central nervous system in a way that would increase the risk of seizures.

Choice C rationale:

Lactic acidosis:

This is a rare but serious condition that can occur with metformin use.

It happens when lactic acid builds up in the bloodstream, causing the blood to become too acidic. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include:

Rapid breathing Nausea and vomiting Abdominal pain Muscle weakness Unusual sleepiness Feeling cold

Risk factors for lactic acidosis in patients taking metformin include:

Kidney disease Congestive heart failure Liver disease Dehydration

Excessive alcohol intake Recent surgery or heart attack

It's important to note that lactic acidosis is rare, occurring in about 3 to 10 cases per 100,000 people taking metformin per year.

Renal failure:

Metformin is primarily eliminated by the kidneys.

If kidney function is impaired, metformin can build up in the body, increasing the risk of lactic acidosis. Additionally, metformin can potentially cause kidney damage in rare cases, further worsening kidney function. It's crucial to monitor kidney function regularly in patients taking metformin.

Choice D rationale:

Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) is not a side effect of metformin.

In fact, metformin is a medication used to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It works by:

Decreasing the amount of glucose produced by the liver Improving the body's sensitivity to insulin

Slowing the absorption of glucose from the intestines

Choice A rationale:

Fever is not a common side effect of metformin. While it's possible for a minority of patients to experience a mild fever as their bodies adjust to the medication, it's not considered a typical or expected adverse effect.

Fevers typically occur due to infections or inflammation, and metformin does not directly cause either of these processes.

If a patient taking metformin develops a fever, it's crucial to rule out other potential causes, such as infections or other medications, before attributing it to metformin.

Choice B rationale:

Insomnia is also not a common side effect of metformin. In fact, some studies have suggested that metformin may even have a positive effect on sleep quality in some individuals.

While sleep disturbances can occur with any medication, they are not specifically associated with metformin.

If a patient experiences insomnia while taking metformin, it's essential to consider other potential factors, such as stress, anxiety, or other medications, that could be contributing to sleep problems.

Choice C rationale:

Bitter or metallic taste is a very common side effect of metformin, experienced by approximately 30-40% of patients. This taste disturbance is thought to be caused by metformin's interaction with taste receptors on the tongue.

The taste is often described as metallic, bitter, or similar to the taste of pennies.

While it can be unpleasant, it's generally not considered a serious side effect and does not usually require discontinuation of the medication.

Some strategies to manage the metallic taste include: Taking metformin with meals or snacks to mask the taste.

Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on hard candy after taking the medication. Rinsing the mouth with water or mouthwash after taking the medication.

Switching to an extended-release formulation of metformin, which may have a less pronounced metallic taste.

Choice D rationale:

Seizures are a rare but serious side effect of metformin.

They are most likely to occur in patients with underlying kidney problems or those taking certain other medications that can interact with metformin.

If a patient taking metformin experiences a seizure, it's critical to seek immediate medical attention.