RN Exam Practice
Reduction of Risk PotentialQuestion 610 of 2368

A client taking metformin reports chills, muscle pain, and shortness of breath. Which action should the nurse take?

  1. Document that these symptoms are expected side effects of metformin
  2. Report the symptoms immediately because of the risk of lactic acidosis
  3. Tell the client to take the next dose with food to reduce symptoms
  4. Reassure the client that a metallic taste is causing these symptoms
Show answer

Correct answer: Report the symptoms immediately because of the risk of lactic acidosis

Chills, low blood pressure, muscle pain, or dyspnea may signal lactic acidosis and must be reported immediately.

Source: Nursing Pharmacology, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Endocrine System: Metformin. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Reduction of Risk Potential"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026