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

A. Positive stool antigen test: A positive stool antigen test typically indicates the presence of infection with Helicobacter pylori, which is associated with peptic ulcer disease. Famotidine, a H2 receptor antagonist, reduces gastric acid secretion but does not directly eradicate H. pylori, so this test result is unrelated to its effectiveness. B. Reduced epigastric pain: Famotidine works by decreasing stomach acid production, promoting healing of ulcers and reducing gastric irritation. Relief of epigastric pain is a primary indicator that the medication is effectively managing acid-related disorders like peptic ulcers or GERD. C. Decreased in nighttime awakenings: Although reduced nighttime symptoms may occur with effective GERD management, nighttime awakenings can be influenced by many factors. It is a less direct and reliable measure of famotidine's therapeutic action compared to symptom relief from epigastric pain. D. Loss of 3 pounds (1.36 kg) in a month: Weight loss is not a direct therapeutic effect of famotidine. It could be related to various factors, including improved appetite due to reduced gastrointestinal discomfort, but it doesn't specifically indicate that the famotidine is effectively reducing acid secretion.