A nurse is completing a medication history for a client who reports using over-the-counter calcium carbonate antacid. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse make about taking this medication?

Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Polydipsia is excessive thirst, which is a symptom of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), not hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). People with hyperglycemia lose fluid through frequent urination and become dehydrated, which makes them thirsty.

Choice B reason: This is correct. Shaking is a common sign of hypoglycemia. It occurs because the body releases adrenaline and other hormones to raise blood sugar levels. Adrenaline causes the muscles to tremble or shake.

Choice C reason: This is correct. Confusion is another common sign of hypoglycemia. It occurs because the brain does not get enough glucose, which is its main source of energy. Low blood sugar can impair cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, and judgment.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect. Tachycardia is a rapid heart rate, which can be a symptom of both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. However, it is not a specific or reliable indicator of low blood sugar, as it can also be caused by other factors, such as stress, anxiety, caffeine, or medication.

Choice E reason: This is incorrect. Polyuria is excessive urination, which is another symptom of hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia. People with hyperglycemia have high levels of glucose in their blood, which draws water from the cells and increases urine output.

Choice A reason: Limit caffeine intake is not an instruction that the nurse should provide to the client who has asthma and a new prescription for inhaled fluticasone. Fluticasone is a medication that reduces inflammation and swelling in the airways, which can improve breathing and prevent asthma attacks. Fluticasone does not interact with caffeine or affect the heart rate or blood pressure. Caffeine is a stimulant that can cause nervousness, insomnia, or palpitations in some people, but it does not worsen asthma symptoms or interfere with fluticasone therapy. The nurse should advise the client to consume caffeine in moderation and avoid it before bedtime.

Choice B reason: Take the medication with meals is not an instruction that the nurse should provide to the client who has asthma and a new prescription for inhaled fluticasone. Fluticasone is a medication that reduces inflammation and swelling in the airways, which can improve breathing and prevent asthma attacks. Fluticasone is administered by inhalation, not by mouth, and it does not affect the digestion or absorption of food. The nurse should instruct the client to use the inhaler as prescribed, usually twice a day, regardless of the mealtimes.

Choice C reason: Rinse the mouth after administration is an instruction that the nurse should provide to the client who has asthma and a new prescription for inhaled fluticasone. Fluticasone is a medication that reduces inflammation and swelling in the airways, which can improve breathing and prevent asthma attacks. Fluticasone is a corticosteroid, which can cause side effects such as oral thrush, hoarseness, or sore throat if it remains in the mouth after inhalation. The nurse should instruct the client to rinse the mouth with water and spit it out after each dose of fluticasone to prevent these side effects. The nurse should also teach the client how to use the inhaler properly and check the inhaler technique regularly.

Choice D reason: Check the pulse after medication administration is not an instruction that the nurse should provide to the client who has asthma and a new prescription for inhaled fluticasone. Fluticasone is a medication that reduces inflammation and swelling in the airways, which can improve breathing and prevent asthma attacks. Fluticasone does not affect the heart rate or blood pressure, and it is not a rescue medication that should be used for acute asthma symptoms. The nurse should monitor the respiratory rate and the oxygen saturation of the client after administering fluticasone and advise the client to use a short acting bronchodilator, such as albuterol, for quick relief of wheezing or shortness of breath.