A client with a new burn injury asks the nurse why he is receiving intravenous cimetidine (Tagamet). What is the nurse's best response?
a. "Tagamet will stimulate intestinal move-ment so you can eat more."
b. "Tagamet can help prevent hypovolemic shock, which can be fatal."
c. "This will help prevent stomach ulcers, which are common after burns."
d. "This drug will help prevent kidney dam-age caused by dehydration."
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 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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