Escitalopram (Lexapro) belongs to which class of medications?

Choice A reason: "Antibiotics are administered to treat viral infections." is an incorrect statement for the nurse to make when providing teaching for a client who has a new prescription for an antibiotic. Antibiotics are medicines that fight bacterial infections in people and animals. They work by killing the bacteria or by making it hard for the bacteria to grow and multiply. Antibiotics do not work against viruses, such as those that cause colds, flu, or COVID19. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed can cause harm and increase the risk of antibiotic resistance¹.

Choice B reason: "Bloody stools are expected while taking antibiotics." is an incorrect statement for the nurse to make when providing teaching for a client who has a new prescription for an antibiotic. Bloody stools are not a normal or expected side effect of antibiotics. They can indicate a serious condition, such as intestinal bleeding, ulcerative colitis, or Clostridioides difficile infection. C. diff is a type of bacteria that can cause severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloody stools. It can occur when antibiotics disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in the gut and allow C. diff to grow and produce toxins. The nurse should instruct the client to report any signs of bloody stools or severe diarrhea to the health care provider immediately.

Choice C reason: "Take the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed." is a correct statement for the nurse to make when providing teaching for a client who has a new prescription for an antibiotic. Taking the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed is important to ensure that the infection is completely treated and to prevent the bacteria from becoming resistant to the antibiotic. Stopping the antibiotic too soon or skipping doses can allow some bacteria to survive and multiply, which can cause the infection to come back or spread to other parts of the body. The nurse should also remind the client to follow the instructions on the medication label or the prescriber's order regarding the dosage, frequency, and duration of the antibiotic therapy.

Choice D reason: "Discontinue the medication when you feel better." is an incorrect statement for the nurse to make when providing teaching for a client who has a new prescription for an antibiotic. Discontinuing the medication when the client feels better is not advisable, as it can lead to incomplete treatment and antibiotic resistance. Feeling better does not mean that the infection is gone or that the bacteria are all killed. The client should continue to take the antibiotic until the end of the prescribed course, even if they have no symptoms or feel better. The nurse should also advise the client to contact the health care provider if they have any questions or concerns about the antibiotic or if they experience any side effects or allergic reactions.

Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Taking an antacid with another antacid is redundant and unnecessary. Antacids are medicines that neutralize the acid in the stomach and relieve symptoms of heartburn, indigestion, and gastric ulcers. Taking too much antacid can cause side effects such as diarrhea, constipation, or electrolyte imbalance¹.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Taking an antacid as needed to reduce pain is not a good practice. Antacids are not painkillers and do not address the underlying cause of gastric ulcers. Gastric ulcers are sores in the lining of the stomach that can be caused by infection, inflammation, or erosion. Taking an antacid may temporarily relieve the pain, but it does not heal the ulcer or prevent complications. Antacids should be taken regularly as prescribed by the doctor, along with other medicines that treat the cause of the ulcer.

Choice C reason: This is correct. Taking an antacid after taking a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) is a good practice. PPIs are medicines that reduce the production of acid in the stomach and help heal gastric ulcers. However, PPIs may take several hours to work and may not provide immediate relief of symptoms. Taking an antacid after a PPI can help neutralize any remaining acid in the stomach and provide faster symptom relief. However, the antacid should be taken at least 2 hours after the PPI, as the antacid can interfere with the absorption of the PPI.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect. Reducing fluid intake with an antacid is not a good practice. Fluid intake is important for hydration, digestion, and elimination. Reducing fluid intake can cause dehydration, constipation, or kidney problems. Fluid intake does not affect the effectiveness of antacids, as long as the antacid is taken with a glass of water to help dissolve and flush it down the esophagus and into the stomach.