Final answer:
Nurses should monitor for adverse reactions to aluminum hydroxide such as constipation, nausea, and less commonly, issues like agitation, anxiety, and sleep problems.
Step-by-step explanation:
Adverse Reactions to Aluminum Hydroxide
When a nurse is instructing a client about a new prescription for aluminum hydroxide to treat heartburn, monitoring for adverse reactions is crucial. Common adverse reactions can include constipation and nausea. Aluminum hydroxide works by reacting with excess stomach acid but can slow down gastrointestinal motility, leading to constipation. To balance this effect, some formulations include magnesium hydroxide or magnesium carbonate, which have laxative properties. Agitation, anxiety, sleep problems, and abnormal heart rhythms can also occur, though less commonly. It's important for a nurse to be aware of and monitor for these potential adverse reactions while managing a client's treatment plan for heartburn.