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 D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Taking antacids does not protect the stomach from the irritation caused by spicy foods. Antacids only reduce the acidity of the stomach contents, but they do not heal the ulcer or prevent further damage.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Taking antacids does not affect the digestion of carbohydrates or any other nutrients. Antacids only act on stomach acid, not on the enzymes that break down food.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Taking antacids does not stop the stomach from producing acid. Antacids only react with the acid that is already present in the stomach, but they do not inhibit the secretion of acid by the stomach cells.
Choice D reason: This is correct. Taking antacids will help neutralize the acid that is already in the stomach, which can relieve the pain and discomfort caused by the ulcer. Antacids can also form a protective coating over the ulcer, which can help it heal faster.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Serum sodium level of 140 mEq/L is within the normal range of 135145 mEq/L. It does not indicate any adverse effect of the potassium sparing diuretic, which does not affect sodium excretion significantly. The nurse does not need to notify the health care provider about this finding.
Choice B reason: Blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg is slightly above the normal range of 120/80 mmHg, but it is not a cause for concern. The potassium sparing diuretic can lower the blood pressure by reducing the fluid volume and preventing sodium retention. The nurse should monitor the blood pressure regularly but does not need to notify the health care provider about this finding.
Choice C reason: Serum potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L is above the normal range of 3.55.0 mEq/L. It indicates hyperkalemia, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of the potassium sparing diuretic. The potassium sparing diuretic can increase the potassium level by inhibiting its secretion in the distal tubule of the kidney. The nurse should notify the health care provider immediately and prepare to administer interventions such as calcium gluconate, insulin, or sodium bicarbonate to lower the potassium level and prevent cardiac arrhythmias.
Choice D reason: Serum potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L is at the lower end of the normal range of 3.55.0 mEq/L. It does not indicate any adverse effect of the potassium sparing diuretic, which does not cause potassium loss. The nurse does not need to notify the health care provider about this finding.
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