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."
ANS: C
Ulcerative gastrointestinal disease (Curling's ulcer) may develop within 24 hours after a severe burn as a result of increased hydrochloric acid production and a decreased mucosal barrier. This process occurs because of the sympathetic nervous system stress response. Cimetidine is a histamine2 blocker and inhibits the production and release of hydrochloric acid. Cimetidine does not affect intestinal movement and does not prevent hypovolemic shock or kidney damage.
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