Question

a nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a gastric ulcer and a new prescription for famotidine. which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

\take the medication on an empty stomach for full effectiveness.\
\you may discontinue this medication when stomach discomfort subsides.\

eport yellowing of the skin.\
\you will be taking this medication for 2 weeks.\

Explanation:

Analyze the medication and its mechanism

Famotidine is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines. It works by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach produces.

Evaluate the first option

"Take the medication on an empty stomach for full effectiveness."
Famotidine can be taken with or without food. Food does not significantly affect its absorption or therapeutic efficacy, so this instruction is unnecessary.

Evaluate the second option

"You may discontinue this medication when stomach discomfort subsides."
Clients must take the full prescribed course of H2-receptor antagonists to ensure complete healing of the gastric ulcer, even if symptoms improve early. Discontinuing early can lead to ulcer recurrence.

Evaluate the third option

"Report yellowing of the skin."
Famotidine is eliminated primarily by the kidneys, but it can occasionally cause hepatotoxicity. Yellowing of the skin or sclera (jaundice) indicates liver dysfunction and is a serious adverse effect that must be reported immediately.

Evaluate the fourth option

"You will be taking this medication for 2 weeks."
Treatment for active gastric ulcers typically requires a longer course of therapy, usually 4 to 8 weeks, to ensure complete mucosal healing. Two weeks is insufficient.

Answer:

• "Take the medication on an empty stomach for full effectiveness."
• "You may discontinue this medication when stomach discomfort subsides."
• "Report yellowing of the skin." (Correct answer)
• "You will be taking this medication for 2 weeks."