The nurse is caring for a client who receives H2-receptor antagonists for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. Based on the nursing diagnosis Risk for Bleeding, which assessment finding should the nurse report immediately to the healthcare provider?

Question

A) The client who reports pain after 24 hours of treatment
B) The client who reports episodes of melena
C) The client who reports he is constipated
D) The client who reports he took TUMS ® antacids with his H2-receptor antagonist

Answer 1

Answer: B

Melena could indicate GI bleeding and should be reported to the physician immediately. The client may still experience pain for several days with this type of medication. Taking TUMS ® antacids with an H2-receptor antagonist will cause deceased absorption of the H2-receptor antagonist, but this does not need to be reported to the healthcare provider; the nurse should educate the client. Constipation is a common side effect that does not need to be immediately reported to the healthcare provider.