Question

The client is admitted from the emergency room with multiple injuries sustained from an auto accident. His doctor prescribes a histamine blocker. The reason for this order is: A. To treat general discomfort B. To correct electrolyte imbalances C. To prevent stress ulcers D. To treat nausea

Short answer

Answer: To prevent stress ulcers.

Step-by-step solution

Review the function of histamine blockers

A histamine blocker, also known as H2 antagonist, is a type of medication that works by blocking the action of histamine on parietal cells in the stomach, reducing the production of acid. These drugs are commonly used to treat gastrointestinal conditions like peptic ulcers, heartburn, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. It's essential to consider histamine blockers' primary function in determining the correct answer.

Eliminate unlikely options

Based on the function of histamine blockers, we can eliminate options that do not pertain to the stomach or the issues histamine blockers are designed to address. Option A, treating general discomfort, is too broad as histamine blockers specifically address stomach-related issues. Option B, correcting electrolyte imbalances, is not directly related to histamine blocker functions. Thus, eliminate options A and B.

Evaluate remaining options

Option C, preventing stress ulcers, is a potential reason for prescribing histamine blockers. Stress ulcers occur when stomach acid production increases due to stress or trauma, like multiple injuries sustained from an auto accident. Histamine blockers help reduce the production of stomach acids, which can be helpful to prevent stress ulcers in this case. Option D, treating nausea, might be somewhat related since histamine blockers can indirectly help with nausea by preventing stomach acid production. However, this application is not the primary function of histamine blockers, and other medications are more commonly prescribed to treat nausea.

Select the correct answer

In this context, the most appropriate reason for prescribing a histamine blocker would be to prevent stress ulcers. Hence, the correct answer is Option C.

Key concepts

Histamine Blockers

Histamine blockers, also known as H2 antagonists, play a crucial role in managing stomach acid-related conditions. These medications work by blocking the effects of histamine on the stomach's parietal cells. Parietal cells are responsible for producing stomach acid. By inhibiting histamine, these blockers reduce acid secretion. This decreased acid production offers relief for several gastrointestinal ailments.

Common uses for histamine blockers include:

• Treating peptic ulcers
• Managing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Addressing Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a rare disorder that causes excessive stomach acid

These drugs, such as ranitidine and famotidine, are widely available and often over-the-counter. It's vital to understand their primary function. This will help identify situations where their use proves beneficial, such as preventing stress ulcers in high-stress situations or trauma cases.

Stress Ulcers

Stress ulcers are a common concern for hospital patients, especially those experiencing major stress or trauma. These ulcers develop due to increased stomach acid production triggered by physical stress, like injuries from an accident. They are erosions in the stomach lining that can cause bleeding and other complications. Recognizing who is at risk can help in providing effective care.

Individuals at higher risk for stress ulcers include:

• Patients with severe injuries or trauma
• Individuals undergoing major surgery
• Patients experiencing severe burns or shock

To counteract the development of stress ulcers, doctors may prescribe medications like histamine blockers. By reducing stomach acid production, these medications can help protect the stomach lining and are crucial preventive measures in a hospital setting.

Nursing Pharmacology

Nursing pharmacology involves a deep understanding of how drugs interact within the body and their effects on patients. This field is essential for safe and effective patient care. A nurse must know not only about the drug itself but also how it is used in specific conditions and its side effects. This knowledge allows nurses to administer medications safely and provide appropriate patient education.

In the case of histamine blockers, understanding includes:

• The purpose, such as treating acid-related issues and preventing ulcers
• Potential side effects, like headaches or dizziness
• Interactions with other medications the patient might be taking

Through a comprehensive understanding of pharmacology, nurses optimize the therapeutic outcomes for their patients and help minimize adverse reactions. With this knowledge, they play a vital part in the prevention and management of conditions like stress ulcers by ensuring appropriate medication administration and monitoring.