A client receives a prescription for IV famotidine. Which finding indicates to the nurse the medication is effective?

Rationale: A. Loss of 3 pounds (1.36 kg) in a month: Weight loss may occur in some gastrointestinal conditions, but it is not a reliable indicator of famotidine’s effectiveness. The medication targets acid reduction rather than weight changes. B. Decreased in nighttime awakenings: Reduced nighttime awakenings may suggest some relief from nocturnal reflux, but it is not the most direct measure of the drug’s effect. Famotidine’s primary action is to reduce stomach acid production. C. Reduced epigastric pain: Famotidine is an H2 receptor antagonist that decreases gastric acid secretion. Relief of epigastric pain demonstrates that the medication is reducing acid-related irritation in the stomach or duodenum, making this the best indicator of effectiveness. D. Positive stool antigen test: A positive stool antigen test indicates the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection. Famotidine does not eradicate H. pylori; it only decreases acid production. Therefore, this finding does not reflect the therapeutic effectiveness of the drug.