The nurse is caring for a client who is being treated for peptic ulcer disease. Which medication should the client be taught to avoid?

A. Hypotension: Norepinephrine is administered to treat hypotension, so monitoring for hypotension is not typically a concern while the patient is receiving this medication. In fact, hypotension is often the reason for administering norepinephrine in the first place.

B. Liver failure: Monitoring for signs of liver failure may be important in patients receiving certain medications, but it is not a specific consideration when administering norepinephrine. Norepinephrine primarily affects blood pressure regulation and does not typically have direct effects on liver function.

C. Bradycardia: While norepinephrine can increase blood pressure by constricting blood vessels, it may also cause reflex bradycardia (a decrease in heart rate) as a compensatory response. However, the primary concern with norepinephrine administration is hypertension, not bradycardia.

D. Hypertension
Norepinephrine (Levophed) is a vasopressor medication commonly used to treat hypotension and shock. It works by constricting blood vessels, which increases blood pressure. Therefore, when administering norepinephrine, the nurse should monitor the patient for hypertension, as the medication's intended effect is to raise blood pressure.

A) Treatment with PPIs to decrease stomach acid:
Pancreatic insufficiency is not primarily related to excess stomach acid production, so treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to decrease stomach acid would not address the underlying cause of the condition.

B) Treatment with stimulant laxatives:
Pancreatic insufficiency is not typically associated with constipation or the need for stimulant laxatives. While malabsorption of fats due to pancreatic insufficiency can lead to loose stools or diarrhea, treatment with laxatives is not indicated for this condition.

C) Replacement therapy with pancreatic enzymes.
Pancreatic insufficiency occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes to properly digest food, leading to malabsorption of nutrients. Replacement therapy with pancreatic enzymes is the mainstay of treatment for pancreatic insufficiency. These pancreatic enzyme supplements help to replace the deficient enzymes, aiding in the digestion and absorption of nutrients from food. By taking pancreatic enzyme supplements with meals, the client can improve digestion and prevent nutritional deficiencies associated with pancreatic insufficiency.

D) Decrease food intake:
Decreasing food intake would not address the underlying cause of pancreatic insufficiency, which is the deficiency of pancreatic enzymes needed for proper digestion. In fact, decreasing food intake could exacerbate malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies in individuals with pancreatic insufficiency. The primary goal of treatment is to improve digestion and nutrient absorption by providing supplemental pancreatic enzymes with meals.