A nurse is matching the medication sucralfate with its appropriate indication or action.
Which of the following describes the correct indication or action of this medication?
Removes ammonia.
Treats nausea and vomiting.
Coats and protects ulcers.
Softens stool.
Stimulates a bowel movement.
The Correct Answer is C
This question tests the understanding of gastrointestinal pharmacology and the specific therapeutic role of mucosal protectants. It requires the nurse to correctly identify the mechanism of sucralfate, which acts locally to form a physical barrier over ulcerated tissues in the gastric environment.
Choice A rationale
Lactulose is the medication used to treat high ammonia levels, typically associated with hepatic encephalopathy. Sucralfate has no pharmacological role in the metabolism or clearance of ammonia, as it acts primarily as a physical barrier on gastric mucosa.
Choice B rationale
Medications used to treat nausea and vomiting are classified as antiemetics, such as ondansetron. Sucralfate does not act on the central nervous system or gastrointestinal receptors to decrease nausea and vomiting, so it is not indicated for this purpose.
Choice C rationale
Sucralfate is a mucosal protectant that binds to the surface of proteins found in ulcerated tissue. It creates a physical, protective barrier that coats the ulcer, shielding it from acid and pepsin to promote healing of the gastric mucosa.
Choice D rationale
Docusate sodium is a surfactant that functions as a stool softener by allowing water and lipids to penetrate the fecal mass. Sucralfate does not have any effect on stool consistency or the underlying physiological processes that govern intestinal lubrication.
Choice E rationale
Stimulant laxatives, such as bisacodyl, are used to increase peristalsis and cause a bowel movement. Sucralfate is not indicated for the management of constipation or to stimulate intestinal motility, as it does not affect the neuromuscular activity of the gut.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This question addresses the clinical application of supplemental gut flora. It requires understanding the role of microbiota in maintaining intestinal homeostasis, which is necessary to recognize the therapeutic intent of probiotics in treating conditions where the normal microbial balance has been disrupted by antibiotics.
Choice A rationale
Probiotics are supplemental non-pathogenic bacteria and are not antibiotic agents. They lack the pharmacological mechanism to kill or inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria, and they should not be used as a treatment for acute or chronic bacterial infections.
Choice B rationale
Vitamin D absorption is facilitated by dietary fats and bile salts in the small intestine. Probiotics do not possess a physiological role in the metabolic process of vitamin D uptake, nor do they improve its bioavailability in the gastrointestinal tract.
Choice C rationale
The gut microbiome is often disrupted by antibiotics or illness. Probiotics help replenish and maintain the diversity of commensal bacteria, which compete with pathogens and support intestinal health, thereby restoring the natural ecological balance within the gastrointestinal tract.
Choice D rationale
Probiotics are not a source of indigestible plant polysaccharides. Fiber is essential for bowel health and peristalsis, and probiotics cannot substitute for its physiological function in adding bulk to the stool or promoting regular bowel movements in patients.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This question tests the safe administration of low-molecular-weight heparin. It requires knowledge of syringe design and subcutaneous injection technique, specifically the necessity of maintaining the air bubble to ensure the full dose of medication is delivered and to prevent drug loss in the needle hub.
Choice A rationale
Enoxaparin is administered via subcutaneous injection. Aspirating before depressing the plunger is not indicated for this route, as there is no significant risk of hitting a large blood vessel that would require this maneuver for safety.
Choice B rationale
The injection site for enoxaparin should be at least 5 cm (2 inches) away from the umbilicus. Injecting too close to the navel increases the risk of local bruising and hematoma formation due to the high vascularity of that area.
Choice C rationale
Prefilled syringes for enoxaparin are designed with an air bubble to ensure the entire prescribed dose is delivered. Expelling this bubble can lead to an incomplete dose, which is clinically significant when administering anticoagulants for therapeutic, weight-based management.
Choice D rationale
Subcutaneous injections are typically administered at a 90 degree angle if enough adipose tissue is grasped to avoid intramuscular injection. Using a 45 degree angle is generally reserved for patients with very little subcutaneous tissue to ensure proper delivery.
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