Question

A client newly diagnosed with diabetes is started on Precose (acarbose). The nurse should tell the client that the medication should be taken: A. 1 hour before meals B. 30 minutes after meals C. With the first bite of a meal D. Daily at bedtime

Short answer

Answer: The most appropriate administration time for Precose (acarbose) in a diabetic client is with the first bite of a meal.

Step-by-step solution

Background Information

Precose (acarbose) is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor used to manage type 2 diabetes along with diet and exercise. It works by delaying the digestion of carbohydrates, thereby reducing postprandial blood glucose levels. Now, let's evaluate each choice in the question:

Choice A: 1 hour before meals

Acarbose is not taken 1 hour before meals because its main function is to reduce glucose spikes after eating carbohydrates. Taking it too early may not have the desired effect on blood sugar levels.

Choice B: 30 minutes after meals

Acarbose should not be taken 30 minutes after meals. The medication's primary function is to delay carbohydrate digestion, so taking it after meals might not be as effective in controlling postprandial blood glucose levels.

Choice C: With the first bite of a meal

Acarbose is most effective when taken with the first bite of a meal. This ensures that the medication is present in the gastrointestinal tract during carbohydrate digestion, reducing the rate at which carbohydrates are broken down, and thus decreasing postprandial blood glucose levels.

Choice D: Daily at bedtime

Taking acarbose daily at bedtime would not be an effective method for controlling postprandial blood glucose levels, as it needs to be present in the gastrointestinal tract during meals to delay carbohydrate digestion effectively. Given the provided explanations, the correct answer is: C. With the first bite of a meal