Which statement would indicate a client correctly understands their teaching about metformin?

The statement "This medication may cause me to have bloating or loose stools" reflects an accurate understanding of the common side effects associated with metformin. These gastrointestinal symptoms, such as bloating, diarrhea, and loose stools, are well-documented effects of the medication, especially when a person first begins treatment or when the dose is increased. Metformin is known for its potential to affect the gastrointestinal tract, which is important information for clients to recognize, as it helps them anticipate and manage these side effects effectively.

The other statements do not reflect an accurate understanding of metformin and its appropriate use. For instance, checking blood glucose levels is important for diabetes management, but it is not a prerequisite for taking metformin itself. Skipping a dose based on carbohydrate intake doesn’t align with how the medication functions; metformin works continuously to help regulate blood sugar levels, regardless of daily carbohydrate consumption. Additionally, the goal of metformin is to lower blood glucose levels and help manage diabetes, not to increase hemoglobin A1C, hence the context of that statement is misleading. Understanding the correct side effects, like bloating or loose stools, thus demonstrates a comprehensive grasp of how metformin impacts the body and what the patient can expect.