A nurse administers cimetidine (Tagamet) to an older adult client. Which function should be closely monitored?

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Multiple Choice

A nurse administers cimetidine (Tagamet) to an older adult client. Which function should be closely monitored?

Monitoring mental status in an older adult client receiving cimetidine is important due to the potential central nervous system effects of the medication. Cimetidine, as a histamine H2 antagonist, can lead to confusion, dizziness, and other cognitive alterations, especially in the elderly, who may be more susceptible to the drug’s side effects. Older patients may have varying degrees of renal function, and cimetidine is primarily eliminated by the kidneys, increasing the risk of accumulation and subsequent central nervous system toxicity. Additionally, cognitive changes can indicate a need to re-evaluate the dosage or to consider alternative medications with fewer side effects for this population. The importance of vigilance in monitoring mental status cannot be overstated, as it allows for early detection of adverse reactions and facilitates timely interventions to ensure client safety and well-being. In contrast, blood pressure, liver function, and red blood cell counts are less directly influenced by cimetidine and may not be as critical to monitor specifically for this medication compared to mental status.

Monitoring mental status in an older adult client receiving cimetidine is important due to the potential central nervous system effects of the medication. Cimetidine, as a histamine H2 antagonist, can lead to confusion, dizziness, and other cognitive alterations, especially in the elderly, who may be more susceptible to the drug’s side effects. Older patients may have varying degrees of renal function, and cimetidine is primarily eliminated by the kidneys, increasing the risk of accumulation and subsequent central nervous system toxicity.

Additionally, cognitive changes can indicate a need to re-evaluate the dosage or to consider alternative medications with fewer side effects for this population. The importance of vigilance in monitoring mental status cannot be overstated, as it allows for early detection of adverse reactions and facilitates timely interventions to ensure client safety and well-being.

In contrast, blood pressure, liver function, and red blood cell counts are less directly influenced by cimetidine and may not be as critical to monitor specifically for this medication compared to mental status.

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