A patient has been prescribed intravenous (IV) famotidine.
Which observation would indicate to the practical nurse (PN) that the medication is having the desired effect?
Decreased nighttime awakenings.
Positive stool antigen test.
Loss of 3 pounds (1.36 kg) in a month.
Reduced epigastric pain.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Famotidine is a type of medication known as an H2 blocker, which decreases the amount of
acid produced in the stomach. While it can indirectly lead to better sleep by reducing
discomfort, decreased nighttime awakenings is not a direct indicator of its effectiveness.
Choice B rationale
A positive stool antigen test is used to detect the presence of certain bacteria in the
gastrointestinal tract. It is not directly related to the action of famotidine.
Choice C rationale
Weight loss is not a typical result of famotidine use. If a patient experiences significant weight
loss, other causes should be investigated.
Choice D rationale
Famotidine is used to treat conditions like ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and
conditions where the stomach produces too much acid, like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Reduced epigastric pain indicates that the medication is effectively reducing stomach acid and
therefore, alleviating symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Given the client’s high blood pressure and complaint of a headache, it is important to continuously monitor the client’s cardiac status to detect any changes that may indicate worsening condition.
Choice B rationale
Placing an indwelling urinary catheter is not the immediate next step in this client’s care. While it may be necessary in some cases, it is not directly related to the client’s current symptoms.
Choice C rationale
Giving a fluid bolus is not the immediate next step in this client’s care. While it may be necessary in some cases, it is not directly related to the client’s current symptoms.
Choice D rationale
Drawing a basic metabolic panel (BMP) could be helpful in assessing the client’s overall health and kidney function, but it is not the immediate next step in this client’s care.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Answer and explanation
The correct answer is B. If chest pain is not relieved after taking one nitroglycerin tablet three
times at 5-minute intervals, call the emergency medical service (EMS).
Choice A rationale
While flushing, dizziness, and general body warmth can occur with each sublingual tablet
taken, these are side effects of the medication and not the primary intended effect. The main
purpose of nitroglycerin is to relieve chest pain associated with angina.
Choice B rationale
This is the most important instruction. Nitroglycerin is used to treat episodes of angina. If
chest pain is not relieved after taking one nitroglycerin tablet three times at 5-minute
intervals, it could indicate a more serious condition, such as a heart attack. In this case,
immediate medical attention is necessary.
Choice C rationale
A pounding headache is a common side effect of both the nitroglycerin patch and the
sublingual tablets. However, the presence of a headache does not indicate whether the
medication is effectively treating angina.
Choice D rationale
While it’s true that nitroglycerin patches are used for long-term prevention and sublingual
tablets are used for acute attacks, this is general information about the medication and not the
most important instruction for a patient who has been prescribed nitroglycerin.
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