Final answer:
The nurse should teach the client to inject Symlin just before meals, discard open vials after 28 days, take oral medications 1/2 hour before the Symlin injection, use upper arms as preferred injection sites, and be aware of the risk of hypoglycemia.
Step-by-step explanation:
Teaching Points for Pramlintide (Symlin):
A nurse who is providing teaching to a client with a prescription for pramlintide (Symlin) should include several critical points to ensure proper medication management. Pramlintide is an injectable medication used to control blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes, particularly as an adjunct treatment in type 1 and type 2 diabetes for those using insulin.
Key points to teach would include:
- Inject Symlin just before your meal: Pramlintide should be administered immediately before meals to help control postprandial blood glucose levels.
- Discard open vials after 28 days: Like many injectable medications, pramlintide vials should be discarded after being open for 28 days due to the potential degradation of the medication and risk of contamination.
- Take oral medications 1/2 hour before injection: Since pramlintide may alter the absorption of some oral medications it's essential to administer them well before the pramlintide injection to ensure they are absorbed properly.
- Use upper arms as preferred injection sites. The upper arms, along with the abdomen and thighs, are recommended sites for the injections to ensure proper absorption and effectiveness of the medication.
- There is a risk of hypoglycemia with Symlin: Contrary to the claim that there is no risk pramlintide can cause hypoglycemia, especially when used with insulin. The risk is highest after the first dose and with meals and clients need to be taught to recognize and manage the symptoms of hypoglycemia.