A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) about minimizing the effects of reflux during sleep. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Metoclopramide is a medication commonly used to treat gastrointestinal disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). While it is generally well-tolerated, it can have some adverse effects. Sedation is one of the common side effects of metoclopramide. It can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and a feeling of tiredness in some individuals. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client for any signs of sedation or excessive drowsiness, especially when the client starts taking the medication or when the dose is increased.

Hypertension: Metoclopramide is not known to cause hypertension (high blood pressure) as a common side effect. In fact, it may have a mild hypotensive (blood pressure-lowering) effect in some individuals.

Urinary retention: Metoclopramide does not typically cause urinary retention. Instead, it can enhance gastrointestinal motility and increase the frequency of bowel movements.

Blurred vision: While visual disturbances are rare adverse effects of metoclopramide, blurred vision is not a commonly reported side effect. However, other visual disturbances like oculogyric crisis (involuntary rolling back of the eyes) have been reported in rare cases. Nevertheless, monitoring for blurred vision specifically is not a priority when administering metoclopramide.

Furosemide is a loop diuretic commonly prescribed for conditions such as hypertension and edema. One of the side effects of furosemide is the increased excretion of potassium in the urine, which can lead to low potassium levels in the body, known as hypokalemia. The other medications mentioned do not typically place the client at risk for hypokalemia: Acyclovir 400 mg PO twice daily: Acyclovir is an antiviral medication used to treat viral infections, such as herpes. It does not have a direct effect on potassium levels. Cimetidine 300 mg PO four times per day: Cimetidine is a histamine H2 receptor antagonist commonly used to reduce stomach acid production. It does not have a direct effect on potassium levels.

Meloxicam 5 mg PO once daily: Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain relief. It does not have a direct effect on potassium levels.