Question

The family member of a patient who has suffered massive abdominal trauma in an automobile accident asks the nurse why the patient is receiving famotidine (Pepcid). The nurse will explain that the medication will

a. prevent aspiration of gastric contents.
b. inhibit the development of stress ulcers.
c. lower the chance for H. pylori infection.
d. decrease the risk for nausea and vomiting

Answer 1

Famotidine (Pepcid) is an H₂-receptor antagonist given to the patient to inhibit the development of stress ulcers that can occur due to severe injury such as massive abdominal trauma from an automobile accident.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse would explain to the family member that the patient is receiving famotidine (Pepcid) because this medication is an H₂-receptor antagonist that works by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach. It is typically used to treat ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome where the stomach produces excess acid. Specifically, in the case of massive abdominal trauma like that from an automobile accident, the use of famotidine (Pepcid) is to inhibit the development of stress ulcers, which can occur due to the physical and physiological stress of severe injury.