A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is to start therapy with insulin lispro and insulin glargine.
Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A rationale:

Hoarseness of voice can be a symptom of an allergic reaction, indicating swelling and inflammation in the throat. If the client’s voice is no longer hoarse after taking diphenhydramine, it suggests that the medication has been effective in reducing this symptom.

Choice B rationale:

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine and can often cause drowsiness as a side effect. Therefore, feeling more alert would not typically indicate that the medication has been effective.

Choice C rationale:

While headaches can sometimes be associated with allergic reactions, they are not a primary symptom that diphenhydramine targets. Therefore, absence of a headache does not necessarily indicate effectiveness of the medication.

Choice D rationale:

Increased appetite is not typically associated with the effectiveness of diphenhydramine in treating allergic reactions.

Choice A rationale:

Prednisone does not need to be taken on an empty stomach. In fact, taking it with food can help reduce stomach upset.

Choice B rationale:

Prednisone suppresses the immune system, which can make users more susceptible to infections. Therefore, reporting symptoms like a sore throat to the provider is important.

Choice C rationale:

Prednisone can cause fluid retention and high blood pressure, so increasing sodium intake would not be advisable.

Choice D rationale:

Weight gain is a common side effect of prednisone due to increased appetite and fluid retention. Weight loss is not typically expected.