Question

When working with an elderly patient who has been admitted for a possible gastrointestinal bleed, the nurse identifies which drug as having the potential to cause confusion and disorientation?

a. An antacid
b. A proton pump inhibitor
c. An H2 antagonist
d. A mucosal protectant

Answer 1

An H2 antagonist is identified as a drug with the potential to cause confusion and disorientation in elderly patients, particularly when used for gastrointestinal issues, due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Step-by-step explanation:

When working with an elderly patient who has been admitted for a possible gastrointestinal bleed, the nurse identifies c. An H2 antagonist as having the potential to cause confusion and disorientation. H2 antagonists, such as ranitidine (Zantac), famotidine (Pepcid AC), and cimetidine (Tagamet), decrease the amount of acid made in the stomach and are used to treat conditions like ulcers and GERD.

However, these medications can cross the blood-brain barrier and potentially affect the central nervous system, leading to side effects such as confusion, especially in the elderly or those with pre-existing conditions affecting the brain.