Question

A nurse is teaching a client who has a duodenal ulcer about his new prescription for cimetidine. The nurse should include which of the following instructions in the teaching? A. "Take the medication with an antacid to minimize stomach upset." B. "Your doctor might need to reduce your theophylline dose while taking this medication." C. "Take the medication on an empty stomach for better absorption." D. "You should plan to take this medication for at least 6 months."

Answer 1

The correct instruction for a client taking cimetidine for a duodenal ulcer is that the doctor might need to reduce their theophylline dose while taking this medication. Taking cimetidine with antacids is not recommended, and it does not require an empty stomach for absorption. The treatment duration is dependent on the individual's condition, not a set timeframe.

Step-by-step explanation:

When teaching a client who has been prescribed cimetidine for a duodenal ulcer, it's important to understand the interactions and optimal use of this medication. Cimetidine is an H₂-receptor antagonist used to reduce stomach acid production and treat conditions like ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It should not be taken with antacids, as they can affect the absorption of cimetidine. Hence, option A is incorrect. Cimetidine can indeed interfere with the metabolism of other medications, such as theophylline. This could necessitate a dosage adjustment of theophylline by the physician, making option B the correct instruction to include in the teaching. The medication does not require an empty stomach for effective absorption, therefore, option C is incorrect. The duration of the treatment varies and is not specifically for 6 months as stated in option D; the length of treatment is to be determined by the healthcare provider based on the patient's condition.