A nurse is taking a health history of a client who reports occasionally taking several over-the-counter medications, including an H2 receptor antagonist (famotidine). Which of the following outcomes indicates that famotidine is therapeutic?
Relief of heartburn
Cessation of diarrhea
Passage of flatus
Absence of constipation
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Relief of heartburn is the correct outcome that indicates that famotidine is therapeutic. Famotidine is a medication that belongs to the class of H2 receptor antagonists, which work by blocking the action of histamine on the H2 receptors of the stomach cells, thereby reducing the production of gastric acid. Famotidine is used to treat and prevent conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, and Zollinger Ellison syndrome, which are characterized by excessive acid secretion and irritation of the esophagus and stomach. Famotidine can relieve the symptoms of heartburn, which is a burning sensation in the chest or throat caused by the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus.
Choice B reason: Cessation of diarrhea is not an outcome that indicates that famotidine is therapeutic. Famotidine is a medication that belongs to the class of H2 receptor antagonists, which work by blocking the action of histamine on the H2 receptors of the stomach cells, thereby reducing the production of gastric acid. Famotidine does not affect the motility or secretion of the intestines, and it is not used to treat diarrhea, which is a condition of frequent and loose bowel movements. Diarrhea can have various causes, such as infections, medications, food intolerance, or inflammatory bowel disease, and it requires different treatments depending on the underlying cause. Famotidine is not effective for treating diarrhea, and it may even worsen it by reducing the acidity of the stomach and increasing the risk of bacterial overgrowth.
Choice C reason: Passage of flatus is not an outcome that indicates that famotidine is therapeutic. Famotidine is a medication that belongs to the class of H2 receptor antagonists, which work by blocking the action of histamine on the H2 receptors of the stomach cells, thereby reducing the production of gastric acid. Famotidine does not affect the digestion or fermentation of food in the gastrointestinal tract, and it is not used to treat flatulence, which is the accumulation and expulsion of gas from the stomach or intestines. Flatulence can have various causes, such as swallowing air, eating certain foods, or having a bacterial imbalance in the gut, and it requires different treatments depending on the underlying cause. Famotidine is not effective for treating flatulence, and it may even increase it by reducing the acidity of the stomach and altering the gut flora.
Choice D reason: Absence of constipation is not an outcome that indicates that famotidine is therapeutic. Famotidine is a medication that belongs to the class of H2 receptor antagonists, which work by blocking the action of histamine on the H2 receptors of the stomach cells, thereby reducing the production of gastric acid. Famotidine does not affect the motility or secretion of the intestines, and it is not used to treat constipation, which is a condition of infrequent or difficult bowel movements. Constipation can have various causes, such as dehydration, lack of fiber, medications, or bowel obstruction, and it requires different treatments depending on the underlying cause. Famotidine is not effective for treating constipation, and it may even cause it by reducing the acidity of the stomach and slowing down the digestion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Past medical history of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is not a contraindication or a concern for administering Reglan, which is a medication that stimulates the motility of the upper gastrointestinal tract and treats nausea, heartburn, and gastroparesis¹. Reglan does not affect the prostate or urinary function.
Choice B reason: Blood pressure of 132/82 is slightly above the normal range of 120/80, but it is not a cause for concern or a reason to withhold Reglan. Reglan can lower the blood pressure by reducing the fluid volume and preventing sodium retention¹. The nurse should monitor the blood pressure regularly, but does not need to notify the health care provider about this finding.
Choice C reason: Allergy to corn is a concern for administering Reglan, as some formulations of Reglan may contain corn starch as an inactive ingredient. Corn starch can trigger an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to corn, causing symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, or anaphylaxis. The nurse should check the label of the Reglan product and avoid using it if it contains corn starch. The nurse should also notify the health care provider and the pharmacy about the patient's allergy and request an alternative medication or formulation.
Choice D reason: Past medical history of gout is not a contraindication or a concern for administering Reglan, which is a medication that stimulates the motility of the upper gastrointestinal tract and treats nausea, heartburn, and gastroparesis¹. Reglan does not affect the uric acid levels or the joints.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: "I am not ready to eat lunch yet." is not a concerning statement for the patient who has completed their Albuterol nebulizer treatment. Albuterol is a medication that relaxes the muscles in the airways and increases the airflow to the lungs, which can improve the breathing and reduce the wheezing in patients with asthma¹. Albuterol does not affect the appetite or the digestion directly, but it may cause some side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or dry mouth, which may reduce the desire to eat. The nurse should respect the patient's preference and offer them food later when they are ready.
Choice B reason: "It feels like my heart is racing." is a concerning statement for the patient who has completed their Albuterol nebulizer treatment. Albuterol is a medication that relaxes the muscles in the airways and increases the airflow to the lungs, but it also stimulates the beta receptors in the heart, which can increase the heart rate and the blood pressure¹. This can cause side effects such as palpitations, chest pain, or arrhythmias, especially in patients with underlying heart conditions or those who take other medications that affect the heart. The nurse should monitor the patient's vital signs, report the finding to the prescriber, and prepare to administer interventions such as betablockers or calcium channel blockers to lower the heart rate and prevent complications.
Choice C reason: "It is easier to breathe now." is not a concerning statement for the patient who has completed their Albuterol nebulizer treatment. Albuterol is a medication that relaxes the muscles in the airways and increases the airflow to the lungs, which can improve the breathing and reduce the wheezing in patients with asthma¹. This is the expected and desired outcome of the Albuterol nebulizer treatment, which indicates that the medication is effective and the patient is responding well. The nurse should document the patient's response and continue to assess the patient's respiratory status and oxygen saturation.
Choice D reason: "I can breathe better now." is not a concerning statement for the patient who has completed their Albuterol nebulizer treatment. Albuterol is a medication that relaxes the muscles in the airways and increases the airflow to the lungs, which can improve the breathing and reduce the wheezing in patients with asthma¹. This is the expected and desired outcome of the Albuterol nebulizer treatment, which indicates that the medication is effective and the patient is responding well. The nurse should document the patient's response and continue to assess the patient's respiratory status and oxygen saturation.
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