Question

the nurse in a health care clinic is reviewing the record of a client with diabetes mellitus who was just seen by the primary health care provider (phcp). the nurse notes that the phcp has prescribed acarbose. which preexisting disorder, if noted in the client's record, would indicate a contraindication to the use of this medication?

Answer 1

A preexisting disorder indicating a contraindication to acarbose, a medication for diabetes, is renal dysfunction due to risks of worsening hypoglycemia and altered glucose reabsorption.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse in a health care clinic should be aware that a preexisting disorder that would indicate a contraindication to the use of acarbose, a medication prescribed for diabetes mellitus, is renal dysfunction. Acarbose is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor used to manage blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes patients.

However, in clients with renal dysfunction, acarbose may not be advisable because it could worsen hypoglycemia or lead to other adverse effects. Patients with renal dysfunction may experience hypoglycemia due to the non-reabsorption of filtered glucose by kidney tubules. In cases of severe renal impairment, glucose reabsorption can be significantly altered, which is a critical consideration when prescribing drugs like acarbose that affect carbohydrate metabolism.