A client has an important presentation to make in 4 hours, and he needs relief from the congestion of seasonal rhinitis. The client calls the nurse, explains the situation, and tells the nurse that he cannot afford to be drowsy.
What medication is most likely to meet this client’s needs?

800 mg PO at bedtime is an appropriate dosage and frequency of cimetidine for the treatment of gastric ulcer. Cimetidine is a histamine H antagonist that reduces the secretion of gastric acid.

Choice B is wrong because 150 mg PO b.i.d. is too low of a dose for cimetidine. The usual adult dose for duodenal ulcer is 800 mg PO once a day at bedtime or 300 mg PO four times a day.

Choice C is wrong because 20 mg PO b.i.d. is not a valid dose for cimetidine.

The lowest available tablet strength is 100 mg.

Choice D is wrong because 300 mg PO at bedtime is also too low of a dose for cimetidine.

The usual adult dose for gastric ulcer is 800 mg PO once a day at bedtime or 300 mg PO four times a day.

Ginseng is a herbal supplement that may have some antidiabetic effects, such as improving glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. However, ginseng may also interact with certain diabetes medications, especially insulin and sulfonylureas, and cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)2. Therefore, the nurse should inform the client about this potential risk and advise them to consult their doctor before taking ginseng.

Choice B is wrong because there is a reason ginseng cannot be taken by people with diabetes without medical supervision.

As explained above, ginseng may lower blood glucose levels too much and cause hypoglycemia.

Choice C is wrong because there is some research to indicate what effect ginseng will have on diabetes.

Several studies have shown that ginseng may have beneficial effects on blood glucose control, but also some adverse effects such as hypoglycemia.

Choice D is wrong because ginseng does not increase the risk for high blood