Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is reinforcing teaching about cimetidine with a client who has peptic ulcer disease. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. Expect breast tenderness while taking this medication
B. Wait at least 1 hr after taking the medication before taking an antacid.
Cimetidine is a medication known as a histamine H2 receptor antagonist, commonly used in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. It works by reducing the production of stomach acid. When teaching a client about cimetidine, it is important to inform them about the timing of taking other medications, specifically antacids. Antacids, which are used to neutralize stomach acid, can interfere with the absorption of cimetidine if taken simultaneously. Therefore, it is generally recommended to wait at least 1 hour after taking cimetidine before taking an antacid. This allows sufficient time for the cimetidine to be absorbed and start working effectively before neutralizing stomach acid with an antacid.
C. Take ibuprofen for occasional aches and pains
D. Take this medication on an empty stomach
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - Gastro Urinary Systems Medication Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Cimetidine is a medication known as a histamine H2 receptor antagonist, commonly used in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. It works by reducing the production of stomach acid. When teaching a client about cimetidine, it is important to inform them about the timing of taking other medications, specifically antacids.
Antacids, which are used to neutralize stomach acid, can interfere with the absorption of cimetidine if taken simultaneously. Therefore, it is generally recommended to wait at least 1 hour after taking cimetidine before taking an antacid. This allows sufficient time for the cimetidine to be absorbed and start working effectively before neutralizing stomach acid with an antacid.

Similar Questions
A nurse is reinforcing teaching a client who has peptic ulcer disease and is starting therapy with sucralfate. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. Take the medication with an antacid
B. Take the medication 1 hr before meals
C. Take as needed for pain relief
D. Store the medication in the refrigerator
Full Explanation
Sucralfate is a medication commonly used in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. It works by forming a protective barrier over the ulcer site, providing a physical barrier against gastric acid, and promoting the healing process. When teaching a client about sucralfate, it is important to provide instructions regarding its proper administration.
One of the key instructions is to take sucralfate 1 hour before meals. This timing allows the medication to form a protective coating in the stomach before food is ingested. Taking sucralfate on an empty stomach enhances its effectiveness in protecting the ulcer and promoting healing.
"Take the medication with an antacid" - Sucralfate should not be taken with an antacid. Antacids can interfere with the protective mechanism of sucralfate by neutralizing stomach acid, which is necessary for sucralfate to bind and form a protective coating. It is recommended to wait at least 30 minutes to 1 hour after taking sucralfate before taking an antacid.
"Take as needed for pain relief" - Sucralfate is not typically used for immediate pain relief in peptic ulcer disease. It is primarily used for its protective and healing properties. Pain relief is
usually addressed with other medications, such as antacids, acid-reducing medications, or pain medications as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
"Store the medication in the refrigerator" - Sucralfate does not require refrigeration. It should be stored at room temperature, away from excessive heat or moisture, as per the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer or healthcare provider.

A nurse is collecting data from a client who has peptic ulcer disease. Which of the following findings is a manifestation of gastrointestinal perforation?
A. Severe upper abdominal pain
The manifestation of gastrointestinal perforation includes severe upper abdominal pain. This can be a significant symptom indicating a potential perforation in the gastrointestinal tract. It is important to note that gastrointestinal perforation is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention and intervention. Hyperactive bowel sounds: This finding is more commonly associated with conditions like bowel obstruction or gastroenteritis rather than gastrointestinal perforation. Bradycardia: Bradycardia (slower than normal heart rate) is not a typical manifestation of gastrointestinal perforation. It may be associated with other conditions or factors. Report of epigastric fullness: Epigastric fullness can be a symptom of various gastrointestinal conditions, including peptic ulcer disease itself. However, it is not a specific manifestation of gastrointestinal perforation.
B. Hyperactive bowel sounds
C. Bradycardia
D. Report of epigastric fullness
Full Explanation
The manifestation of gastrointestinal perforation includes severe upper abdominal pain. This can be a significant symptom indicating a potential perforation in the gastrointestinal tract. It is important to note that gastrointestinal perforation is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention and intervention.
Hyperactive bowel sounds: This finding is more commonly associated with conditions like bowel obstruction or gastroenteritis rather than gastrointestinal perforation.

Bradycardia: Bradycardia (slower than normal heart rate) is not a typical manifestation of gastrointestinal perforation. It may be associated with other conditions or factors.
Report of epigastric fullness: Epigastric fullness can be a symptom of various gastrointestinal conditions, including peptic ulcer disease itself. However, it is not a specific manifestation of gastrointestinal perforation.
A nurse is caring for a client who has cirrhosis and a prescription for lactulose. Following administration, the nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Diarrhea
C. Dry mouth
D. Headache
Full Explanation
After administering lactulose to a client with cirrhosis, the nurse should monitor for the adverse effects of diarrhea. Lactulose is a laxative commonly used in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy, which can occur in individuals with cirrhosis. One of the intended effects of lactulose is to promote bowel movements and reduce the absorption of ammonia in the gut, thus helping to manage hepatic encephalopathy.
While lactulose can cause adverse effects such as diarrhea, it is not typically associated with peripheral edema. Peripheral edema is often seen in cirrhosis due to fluid retention caused by liver dysfunction.
Dry mouth and headache are less commonly associated with lactulose use and are not typically the primary adverse effects to monitor for in this scenario.
