The nurse is providing education to a patient who has been prescribed both an antacid and ranitidine (an H2 receptor blocker). Which instruction should the nurse give the patient about taking the medications?

Take the antacid 1 hour after the ranitidine.

The antacid and ranitidine should be taken at the same time for better effect.

Take both medications at the same time before meals.

Patient can't take both of these medications and needs to be on one of these medications only.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason:
Taking an antacid one hour after ranitidine is recommended because antacids can affect the absorption of H2 receptor blockers like ranitidine. Ranitidine works by reducing stomach acid production, whereas antacids neutralize existing acid. Taking the antacid too close to the ranitidine can reduce the effectiveness of the ranitidine by altering the stomach's pH balance and affecting its absorption.

Choice B reason:
Taking an antacid and ranitidine at the same time does not enhance their effect. In fact, this can interfere with the absorption and effectiveness of ranitidine. Antacids can increase the pH of the stomach, which may reduce the absorption of ranitidine, thus diminishing its acid-reducing effects.

Choice C reason:
Taking both medications at the same time before meals is not advisable for the same reason as above. The simultaneous administration can reduce the effectiveness of ranitidine, as the increased pH caused by the antacid can interfere with the absorption of the H2 receptor blocker, thereby not providing the intended therapeutic effect.

Choice D reason:
The patient can take both medications, but they should be timed correctly to ensure optimal effectiveness. Saying that the patient needs to be on one medication only is incorrect. Both medications can be used together, but the antacid should be taken after ranitidine to avoid any interaction that might impair the effectiveness of ranitidine.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason:
Lactulose is the medication of choice for treating elevated ammonia levels, commonly seen in hepatic encephalopathy associated with cirrhosis. It works by reducing the absorption of ammonia from the intestines, converting ammonia to ammonium, which is then excreted. Administering lactulose helps in lowering blood ammonia levels and improving mental status in affected patients.

Choice B reason:
Polyethylene glycol (MiraLax) is a laxative used to treat constipation. It does not have any role in reducing ammonia levels or treating hepatic encephalopathy. Therefore, it is not appropriate for this patient's elevated ammonia condition.

Choice C reason:
0.9% NS (normal saline) is primarily used for fluid resuscitation and electrolyte balance. While essential in managing cirrhotic patients with fluid imbalances, it does not address the elevated ammonia levels directly. Therefore, it is not the treatment of choice for this specific situation.

Choice D reason:
Docusate sodium (Colace) is a stool softener used to treat constipation. It does not have any effect on ammonia levels or the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. Thus, it is not appropriate for managing elevated ammonia in this patient.

A. Stenosis B. Regurgitation C. Insufficiency D. Incompetence

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason:
Stenosis is characterized by the constriction and narrowing of the valve opening, which causes the valve leaflets to fail to open completely. This condition restricts blood flow through the valve, leading to increased pressure in the heart and reduced blood flow to the body or lungs, depending on which valve is affected.

Choice B reason:
Regurgitation refers to the condition where the valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward. This is different from stenosis, where the valve opening is narrowed and does not allow sufficient blood flow forward.

Choice C reason:
Insufficiency is another term for regurgitation and involves the backward flow of blood due to improper closure of the valve. It does not describe the condition where the valve opening is narrowed and restricts forward blood flow.

Choice D reason:
Incompetence also refers to the inability of the valve to close properly, leading to regurgitation. It is not used to describe the narrowing of the valve opening, which is the defining characteristic of stenosis.

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The nurse is providing education to a patient who has been prescribed both an antacid and ranitidine (an H2 receptor blocker). Which instruction should the nurse give the patient about taking the medications?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient with a history of chronic alcohol abuse has been admitted to the unit with cirrhosis. Upon review of the patient's laboratory test results, the nurse notes that the patient's ammonia level is elevated at 218 mcg/dL. What medication should the nurse prepare to administer?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Which valvular condition is characterized by the valve opening being constricted and narrowed, causing the valve leaflets, or cusps, to fail to open completely?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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