A client has been diagnosed with an ulcer and will begin taking sucralfate. What information should the nurse include when providing education to the client?

A) Polyethylene Glycol: Polyethylene glycol is a medication typically used to treat constipation by promoting bowel movements. While it can be useful in managing constipation, it is not commonly prescribed after a myocardial infarction. In this situation, the focus is more on medications that promote heart health, reduce cardiac workload, and prevent complications related to the heart attack.

B) Bisacodyl: Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative used to relieve constipation. However, this medication is not typically prescribed immediately following a myocardial infarction. Stimulant laxatives can cause dehydration and excessive fluid shifts, which can be harmful to a client recovering from a heart attack. The focus would be on safer options for bowel management in this context.

C) Senna: Senna is also a stimulant laxative, used for relieving constipation. Similar to bisacodyl, it is not ideal for clients who have recently experienced a myocardial infarction due to its potential for causing dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which could negatively affect heart function. A gentler approach to bowel management is preferred for these clients.

D) Docusate Sodium: Docusate sodium is a stool softener commonly prescribed to prevent constipation, especially in clients who have recently had a myocardial infarction. After a heart attack, it's important to avoid straining during bowel movements, as this could increase pressure on the heart. Docusate sodium helps soften stools and promotes smoother bowel movements without stimulating the gastrointestinal system in a way that would elevate cardiac stress. It is the most appropriate choice for this client.

A) This medication neutralizes gastric acid in the stomach by direct contact: Sucralfate does not neutralize gastric acid. Instead, it works by forming a protective barrier over the ulcer, which helps protect it from further damage by stomach acid and promotes healing. Sucralfate is a mucosal protectant, not an acid-neutralizing agent.

B) "You should take this medication after meals to help limit gastric acid secretion": Sucralfate should be taken on an empty stomach, typically 30 minutes to 1 hour before meals, to allow it to form an effective protective barrier over the ulcer. Taking it after meals would interfere with its action and effectiveness.

C) "This medication decreases gastric acid production by blocking histamine 2 receptors": Sucralfate does not work by blocking histamine 2 receptors. Histamine 2 receptor antagonists, such as ranitidine, work by reducing gastric acid secretion. Sucralfate works by coating and protecting the ulcer rather than by reducing acid production.

D) "You should take this medication 30 minutes to 1 hour before meals and at bedtime": Sucralfate should be taken on an empty stomach, typically 30 minutes to 1 hour before meals and at bedtime. This timing ensures that the medication can form an effective barrier over the ulcer before food intake and helps maximize its healing properties.