Question

The patient takes insulin for diabetes mellitus. The physician orders metoprolol (Lopressor) for hypertension. After medication teaching, the nurse determines that learning has occurred when the patient makes which statement?

1. "I might not need to check my blood sugars as often with metoprolol (Lopressor)."
2. "I might be able to change from insulin to a pill with metoprolol (Lopressor)."
3. "I might need less insulin when I take metoprolol (Lopressor)."
4. "I might need more insulin when I take metoprolol (Lopressor)."

Answer 1

The correct statement indicating understanding of medication teaching is:

I might need less insulin when I take metoprolol (Lopressor). Thus the correct option is (3).

Step-by-step explanation:

In patients with diabetes mellitus, especially those taking insulin, it's crucial to understand the potential effects of antihypertensive medications like metoprolol. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that can mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia, which is a condition where blood sugar levels become dangerously low. Therefore, the patient needs to be aware that they might require less insulin to prevent hypoglycemia when taking metoprolol.Thus the correct option is (3).

Firstly, beta-blockers can decrease the release of insulin from the pancreas, leading to a potential reduction in insulin requirements. This is because metoprolol inhibits the action of beta receptors, which play a role in insulin secretion. Additionally, beta-blockers may enhance the body's response to insulin, making it more effective in lowering blood sugar levels. Therefore, the patient's statement about needing less insulin with metoprolol reflects a correct understanding of the medication's potential impact on insulin requirements.

Secondly, the statement rules out the possibility of increasing insulin needs, which would be an incorrect assumption. The patient recognizing the potential for reduced insulin requirements demonstrates a clear understanding of the medication's effects on glucose metabolism. This knowledge is vital for managing both diabetes mellitus and hypertension concurrently, minimizing the risk of adverse events related to blood sugar levels.