A male client with a history of heart failure (HF) complains of heartburn when he lies down after dinner.
The home health nurse should encourage the client to talk to the healthcare provider about using which over-the-counter medication to relieve this problem?
Low sodium antacid.
Diphenhydramine.
Low dose aspirin.
Acetaminophen.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale: Heartburn when lying down after dinner can be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is a common concern in individuals with heart failure. Antacids are commonly used to relieve heartburn by neutralizing stomach acid. For patients with heart failure, it is essential to use low sodium antacids because excess sodium intake can worsen fluid retention and lead to increased heart failure symptoms. Low sodium antacids are specifically designed to minimize the sodium content, making them a suitable choice for individuals with heart failure.
Choice B rationale: Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine commonly used for allergy relief and as a sleep aid due to its sedative effects. However, it is not an appropriate choice for relieving heartburn. Diphenhydramine does not have any direct effect on stomach acid, and it is not indicated for GERD or heartburn relief.
Choice C rationale: Low dose aspirin is primarily used as an antiplatelet agent to reduce the risk of blood clots and is commonly prescribed for patients with certain cardiovascular conditions. However, it is not a suitable medication for relieving heartburn. In fact, aspirin can irritate the stomach lining and worsen symptoms of heartburn and gastric irritation.
Choice D rationale: Acetaminophen is a common over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer. While it is useful for managing pain and fever, it does not have any effect on stomach acid and is not indicated for heartburn relief. Acetaminophen is not an appropriate choice for addressing heartburn symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Bedtime is the best time to take the tablet.While taking medication at bedtime can sometimes be convenient, it is not necessarily the best time for iron absorption. Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach, and bedtime might not always align with this condition.
B. Crush the tablets and mix with pudding.Crushing enteric-coated tablets is not recommended because it destroys the coating designed to protect the stomach lining from irritation and to ensure the iron is released in the intestine where it is best absorbed.
C. Wait 2 hours after meals to take the tablet.This is the correct answer because iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach, typically one hour before or two hours after meals. Food can interfere with the absorption of iron, so waiting ensures better efficacy of the supplement.
D. Take the tablet with a daily multivitamin.Taking iron with a multivitamin can be problematic because certain minerals in multivitamins, such as calcium, can inhibit iron absorption. It is better to take iron supplements separately to maximize absorption.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Tetracycline should generally be taken on an empty stomach, as certain food and beverages, including orange juice, can interfere with its absorption. The nurse should instruct the client to take tetracycline with water and on an empty stomach unless otherwise specified by the healthcare provider.
Choice B rationale: Tetracycline is an antibiotic that can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, leading to an increased risk of sunburn and photosensitivity reactions. To prevent these adverse effects, the nurse should instruct the client to protect their skin from sunlight while taking the medication. This includes using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure. It is essential to educate the client about this potential side effect to ensure their safety and minimize skin reactions during treatment.
Choice C rationale: Tetracycline does not require routine monitoring of serum drug levels. It is an antibiotic with a well-established dosing regimen, and monitoring drug levels is not necessary for its safe and effective use.
Choice D rationale: While taking tetracycline with milk or antacids may help reduce GI irritation, it can also interfere with the absorption of the medication. Therefore, it is generally recommended to take tetracycline with water and on an empty stomach to ensure optimal absorption and effectiveness.
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