What should a nurse instruct a client taking metformin to report?

Instructing a client taking metformin to report hyperventilation is critical because it may be a sign of lactic acidosis, a rare but serious side effect associated with metformin. Lactic acidosis occurs when there is an accumulation of lactic acid in the bloodstream, which can happen under conditions that lead to decreased kidney function or excessive alcohol consumption, both of which can increase the risk of this complication. Hyperventilation could indicate metabolic acidosis as the body tries to compensate for the acidosis by increasing respiratory rate to expel carbon dioxide.

While symptoms like dizziness, increased hunger, or headache can be relevant for different health issues or medication side effects, they do not indicate an urgent need for the client to seek immediate medical attention the way hyperventilation does in this context. It is important for nurses to ensure that clients understand the signs and symptoms of serious complications related to their medications, as early reporting can lead to timely interventions.