The nurse is caring for a client who has a finger stick blood glucose level of 130 mg/dL (7.21 mmol/L) Prior to administering the scheduled dose of acarbose, the nurse is informed that morning meal trays will be 30 minutes late. Which action should the nurse take?

Reference Range:

Glucose [74 to 106 mg/dl. (4.1 to 5.9 mmol/L)]

A) Avoid the intake of dairy products while using the medication: There is no specific requirement to avoid dairy products when using bulk-forming laxatives. The primary concern with bulk-forming laxatives is to ensure they are taken with adequate fluids.
B) Take the medication one hour after meals and other medications: Bulk-forming laxatives should be taken with a meal or at a different time from other medications to prevent interactions, but the key aspect is to follow the medication with sufficient fluids rather than timing relative to meals.
C) Remain upright for thirty minutes following drug administration: While remaining upright can help prevent potential esophageal irritation, it is not the primary instruction for bulk-forming laxatives. The more critical instruction is related to fluid intake to ensure effectiveness and prevent complications.
D) Follow medication administration with an additional glass of water: Bulk-forming laxatives require adequate fluid intake to function properly. Following the medication with an additional glass of water helps the laxative form a gel-like substance in the intestines, which aids in bowel movement and prevents potential complications like obstruction.

A) Teach the client self-injection skills for daily subcutaneous administration: Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin that is typically administered once daily via subcutaneous injection. Teaching the client how to properly administer insulin injections is crucial for managing type 2 diabetes effectively. Proper technique and routine are essential for ensuring correct dosing and preventing complications.

B) Demonstrate how to select dose based on before-meal blood sugar readings: Insulin glargine is not used for adjusting doses based on pre-meal blood sugar readings; it provides a steady baseline of insulin coverage throughout the day. Dose adjustments for type 2 diabetes are generally not based on meal-time glucose readings with long-acting insulin.
C) Explain to the family how to inject this medication for severe hypoglycemia: Insulin glargine is used to maintain long-term glucose control and is not typically used in emergency situations like severe hypoglycemia. Emergency treatment for severe hypoglycemia generally involves glucose administration rather than insulin injections.
D) Provide information on increasing medication dosage if ketoacidosis occurs: Insulin glargine is not adjusted based on acute conditions such as ketoacidosis. Management of diabetic ketoacidosis involves more immediate insulin and fluid management strategies, and dosage adjustments should be guided by a healthcare provider, not based on routine discharge instructions.