1. What action does the histamine-2 antagonist administered by the nurse have on the
human body that will help to prevent peptic ulcer disease?
a. Destroys Helicobacter pylori
b. Coats and protects the stomach lining
c. Increases the pH of the secreted hydrochloric acid
d. Reduces the amount of hydrochloric acid secreted
Ans: D
Feedback:
Histamine-2 antagonists are administered to reduce the amount of hydrochloric acid
secreted in the stomach, which helps to prevent peptic ulcer disease. H2 antagonists
do not act as an antibiotic to kill bacteria (i.e., H. pylori) coat and protect the stomach
lining like sucralfate (Carafate), or increase the pH of the secreted hydrochloric acid.
2. What classification of drugs does the nurse administer to treat peptic ulcers by
suppressing the secretion of hydrochloric acid into the lumen of the stomach?
a. Antipeptic agents
b. Histamine-2 antagonists
c. Proton pump inhibitors
d. Prostaglandins
Ans: C
Feedback:
Proton pump inhibitors suppress the secretion of hydrochloric acid into the lumen of
the stomach. Antipeptic agents coat any injured area in the stomach to prevent further
injury. H2 antagonists block the release of hydrochloric acid in response to gastrin.
Prostaglandins inhibit secretion of gastrin and increase secretion of the mucous lining
of the stomach.
3. The nurse is caring for a patient requiring digestive enzyme replacement therapy
and establishes what appropriate nursing diagnosis for this patient?
a. Acute pain
b. Risk for constipation
c. Risk for imbalanced nutrition
d. Bowel incontinence
Ans: C
, Feedback:
The nurse would be concerned about the patient’s nutritional status because lack of
digestive enzymes results in malnutrition. Replacement digestive enzymes help the
patient improve digestion and absorption of essential nutrients. Effectiveness of the
therapy is determined by the patient’s ability to maintain balanced nutrition. The other
three options are not applicable to the use of replacement digestive enzymes.
4. What nursing interventions are included in the plan of care for a patient receiving
antacids to relieve GI discomfort?
a. Administer this drug with other drugs or food.
b. Administer the antacid 1 hour before or 2 hours after other oral
medications.
c. Limit fluid intake to decrease dilution of the medication in the stomach.
d. Have the patient swallow the antacid whole and do not crush or chew the
tablet.
Ans: B
Feedback:
A patient taking antacids should be advised to take the antacid 1 hour before or 2
hours after other oral medications. These tablets are often chewed to increase
effectiveness. Limiting fluid intake can result in rebound fluid retention so that
patients should be encouraged to maintain hydration. It is not necessary to take an
antacid with other drugs, nor with food.
5. An adult patient is prescribed cimetidine (Tagamet). A nurse will instruct the
patient that an appropriate dosage and frequency of cimetidine is what?
a. 20 mg PO b.i.d
b. 150 mg PO b.i.d
c. 300 mg PO at bedtime
d. 800 mg PO at bedtime
Ans: D
Feedback:
An appropriate dosage and frequency for cimetidine is 800 mg PO at bedtime. Also,
300 mg can be taken q.i.d at meals and at bedtime. Ranitidine is taken 150 mg daily or
b.i.d. Famotidine is taken 20 mg PO b.i.d. Nizatidine can be taken 150 to 300 mg PO
at bedtime.
6. The nurse develops a discharge teaching plan for a patient who was prescribed
pancreatic enzyme replacement and includes what important teaching point?
a. Take the enzymes on an empty stomach.
b. Crush the capsules and take with food.
c. Avoid spilling the powder on the skin because it may be irritating.
d. Pancreatin and pancrelipase are interchangeable.