A client who is newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) receives a prescription for metformin 500 mg PO twice daily. Which statement(s) should the nurse include in this client’s teaching plan? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A reason: Increasing the intake of dark green leafy vegetables while taking warfarin is not a good instruction because it can decrease the effectiveness of warfarin. Dark green leafy vegetables are rich in vitamin K, which is a coagulation factor that counteracts the anticoagulant effect of warfarin.

Choice B reason: Eating two servings of dark green leafy vegetables daily and continuing for 30 days after warfarin therapy is completed is not a good instruction because it can cause bleeding complications. Dark green leafy vegetables are rich in vitamin K, which is a coagulation factor that counteracts the anticoagulant effect of warfarin. Stopping warfarin while continuing to eat high amounts of vitamin K can increase the risk of clot formation and thromboembolism.

Choice D reason: Avoiding eating any foods that contain any vitamin K because it is an antagonist of warfarin is not a good instruction because it can cause bleeding complications. Dark green leafy vegetables are rich in vitamin K, which is a coagulation factor that counteracts the anticoagulant effect of warfarin. Eliminating vitamin K from the diet can increase the sensitivity to warfarin and cause excessive bleeding and bruising.

Choice B is correct because sodium intake can be regulated by limiting canned foods in the diet. Canned foods often contain high amounts of sodium as a preservative, which can increase blood pressure and fluid retention. The nurse should advise the client to choose fresh or frozen foods instead of canned foods or rinse them before eating.

Choice C is correct because salt substitutes can help with maintaining a healthy diet by reducing sodium intake. Salt substitutes are products that contain potassium chloride or other ingredients that mimic the taste of salt but have less or no sodium. The nurse should advise the client to use salt substitutes sparingly and check with their healthcare provider before using them if they have kidney problems or take certain medications.

Choice D is correct because weight management is promoted by taking daily walks for thirty minutes. Being overweight or obese can increase blood pressure and strain the heart and blood vessels. The nurse should advise the client to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight by engaging in regular physical activity and eating a balanced diet.

Choice F is correct because uncontrolled hypertension can lead to renal damage. High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys and impair their function, leading to chronic kidney disease or failure. The nurse should advise the client to monitor their blood pressure regularly and take prescribed medications as directed.

Choice A is incorrect because alcohol consumption can produce vascular changes that increase blood pressure. Alcohol can cause vasodilation, which lowers blood pressure temporarily, but also stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, which raises blood pressure over time. The nurse should advise the client to limit alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

Choice E is incorrect because blood pressure readings should not be taken at noontime. Blood pressure readings should be taken at the same time each day, preferably in the morning before breakfast or in the evening before dinner, when blood pressure is usually lower and more stable. The nurse should advise the client to avoid taking blood pressure readings when they are stressed, anxious, or have just exercised or eaten.