What is the appropriate intervention for administering exenatide (Byetta) to a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus who takes insulin?

In the context of administering exenatide (Byetta) to a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus, the most suitable intervention is to withhold the medication and call the healthcare provider. Exenatide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist typically used to treat type 2 diabetes and is not indicated for use in patients with type 1 diabetes due to the risk of hypoglycemia and concerns regarding insulin regulation.

Administering exenatide to a type 1 diabetes patient who is also on insulin could lead to unanticipated drops in blood sugar levels, as the body does not produce insulin on its own. Since this medication works by increasing insulin secretion in response to food intake, it can complicate the management of diabetes in individuals who already rely entirely on external insulin sources. Therefore, consulting with a healthcare provider is critical to ensure the patient receives appropriate treatment tailored to their specific needs.

Furthermore, while monitoring for gastrointestinal side effects could be necessary if exenatide were to be administered (as these are common with its use), this monitoring does not address the fundamental issue of the medication being inappropriate for the patient type. Similarly, exenatide is not to be administered so close in timing to insulin, making the