Choice A rationale

Acarbose and repaglinide are medications used to manage blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Acarbose slows the digestion of carbohydrates in the gut, which helps to prevent spikes in blood glucose after meals. Repaglinide stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin. Both of these medications can cause hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar.

Therefore, carrying glucose tablets or gels is a good practice because they can quickly raise blood sugar levels during an episode of hypoglycemia.

Choice B rationale

Taking these medications on an empty stomach is not recommended. Acarbose should be taken with the first bite of each main meal. Repaglinide should be taken within 30 minutes before meals. Therefore, this statement does not indicate effective teaching.

Choice C rationale

Drinking orange soda to treat symptoms of hypoglycemia is not the best choice. While orange soda can increase blood sugar levels, it also contains other ingredients, like caffeine, that are not beneficial for people with diabetes. Glucose tablets or gels are a better option because they provide a fast-acting source of glucose and are easy to dose.

Choice D rationale

This statement is incorrect. While repaglinide does stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin, it does not mean that the person has to start taking insulin shots. Acarbose works by slowing the digestion of carbohydrates in the gut, not by affecting insulin release. Therefore, this statement does not indicate effective teaching.

Choice A rationale

Changes to achieve low HDL and high LDL levels are not recommended. In fact, the opposite is desired. High levels of HDL (good cholesterol) and low levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) are beneficial for overall health and can help prevent cardiovascular complications associated with diabetes.

Choice B rationale

Self-monitoring of blood glucose is important for managing diabetes, but a fasting plasma glucose level of 118 mg/dL does not necessarily indicate the need for regular self-monitoring. This level is slightly elevated and may indicate prediabetes, but further testing would be needed for a definitive diagnosis.

Choice C rationale

Maintenance of a healthy weight is beneficial for everyone, but it’s particularly important for individuals with prediabetes or diabetes. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can help regulate blood glucose levels and prevent or delay the progression of prediabetes to diabetes.

Choice D rationale

Utilizing carbohydrate counting to match insulin intake is a strategy used in the management of diabetes. However, a fasting plasma glucose level of 118 mg/dL, while slightly elevated, does not necessarily indicate the need for insulin therapy or carbohydrate counting. Further testing would be needed to confirm a diagnosis of diabetes.