Intravenous Cimetidine in the Emergent Phase of Burn Care: Explaining the Why to Patients and Families
Nurse’s Best Response to Family’s Question About Intravenous Cimetidine in the Emergent Phase of Burn Care
The nurse’s best response to the family’s question about intravenous cimetidine in the emergent phase of burn care is to explain that it is a medication that is used to prevent stress ulcers. Stress ulcers are sores that can develop in the stomach and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) in response to severe stress, such as a burn injury.
How Cimetidine Prevents Stress Ulcers
Cimetidine is an H2 histamine blocker. Histamine is a chemical that stimulates the production of acid in the stomach. Cimetidine works by blocking the action of histamine, which reduces the amount of acid produced in the stomach. This can help to prevent stress ulcers from developing.
Why Cimetidine is Given in the Emergent Phase of Burn Care
Burn patients are at high risk for developing stress ulcers. This is because the severe stress of a burn injury can trigger the release of hormones that increase acid production in the stomach. Additionally, burn patients may be unable to eat and drink normally, which can also increase the risk of stress ulcers.
Benefits of Cimetidine
Cimetidine is a safe and effective medication for preventing stress ulcers in burn patients. It is also a relatively inexpensive medication.
Explanation for the Family
Nurse: “Cimetidine is a medication that is used to prevent stress ulcers. Stress ulcers are sores that can develop in the stomach and duodenum in response to severe stress, such as a burn injury. Burn patients are at high risk for developing stress ulcers, so cimetidine is often given in the emergent phase of burn care to help prevent them.”
Family: “Thank you for explaining that. We were wondering why [patient’s name] was being given that medication.”
Nurse: “You’re welcome. I’m happy to answer any other questions you may have.”
Conclusion
Intravenous cimetidine is a medication that is used to prevent stress ulcers in burn patients. It is a safe and effective medication that is often given in the emergent phase of burn care. Nurses can explain the importance of cimetidine to patients and families to help them understand why it is being given.