Test Bank for Medical Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Interprofessional Collaborative Care 10th Edition - Care of Patients with Burns Related

Review Test Bank for Medical Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Interprofessional Collaborative Care 10th Edition - Care of Patients with Burns related questions and content

A nurse prepares to administer intravenous cimetidine (Tagamet) to a client who has a new burn injury. The client asks, Why am I taking this medication? How should the nurse respond?

  • A. Tagamet stimulates intestinal movement so you can eat more.
  • B. It improves fluid retention, which helps prevent hypovolemic shock.
  • C. It helps prevent stomach ulcers, which are common after burns.
  • D. Tagamet protects the kidney from damage caused by dehydration.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Ulcerative gastrointestinal disease (Curling's ulcer) may develop within 24 hours after a severe burn due to increased hydrochloric acid production and a decreased mucosal barrier. Cimetidine is a histamine blocker that inhibits the production and release of hydrochloric acid.