Registered Nurse (RN) Endocrine Licensure Exam

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What important instruction should be included in the discharge teaching for a patient taking Inderal who has a history of type 1 diabetes?

Importance of taking the medication only as needed for symptoms.
Avoid aged cheeses and wines while taking this medication.
Monitor blood glucose levels closely because this medication can mask signs of hypoglycemia.
Monitor heart rate regularly because this medication will increase the heart rate.

The correct answer is: Monitor blood glucose levels closely because this medication can mask signs of hypoglycemia.

Monitoring blood glucose levels closely is essential for a patient taking Inderal, especially in the context of type 1 diabetes. Inderal, which is a beta-blocker, can mask some symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremors, palpitations, and anxiety, making it difficult for the patient to recognize when their blood sugar is dropping. If the patient is unable to identify these warning signs, they may not respond quickly enough to treat hypoglycemia, which can lead to more severe complications. Instructing the patient to closely monitor their blood glucose levels empowers them to be proactive in managing their diabetes, ensuring they can catch any dangerous fluctuations in glucose levels early on. This becomes particularly critical during times of stress, changes in diet, exercise routines, or any alterations in insulin therapy, as beta-blockers can interfere with the body's normal response to low blood sugar.