Gastrointestinal Medications

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A patient with a peptic ulcer is prescribed amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and omeprazole. What is the primary rationale for including amoxicillin and clarithromycin in this patient's treatment plan?

To reduce gastric acid secretion.
To relieve symptoms of heartburn and indigestion.
To eradicate _H. pylori_ infection. (correct)
To protect the stomach lining from the effects of acid.

Histamine2-receptor antagonists, such as cimetidine, directly neutralize gastric acid in the stomach.

False (B)

Cimetidine interacts with warfarin by increasing its levels. What lab test should be monitored regularly in patients taking both medications?

PT/INR

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole work by inhibiting the ______ that produces gastric acid.

enzyme Signup and view all the answers

Match each medication with its primary mechanism of action:

Amoxicillin = Antibiotic that disrupts bacterial cell wall synthesis Famotidine = H2-receptor antagonist that reduces gastric acid secretion Omeprazole = Proton pump inhibitor that blocks gastric acid production Bismuth = Coats the ulcer and protects it from stomach acid Signup and view all the answers

Alosetron (Lotronex) is prescribed for women with IBS-D who haven't responded to other treatments. What potentially severe complication should these patients be taught to immediately report?

Bloody diarrhea and increased abdominal pain (D) Signup and view all the answers

Lubiprostone (Amitiza) is indicated for both men and women experiencing Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C).

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

A patient taking probiotics for IBS is also prescribed an antifungal medication. What specific instruction should the nurse provide regarding the timing of these medications to prevent potential interactions?

Take the probiotic 2 hours apart from the antifungal drug. Signup and view all the answers

Alosetron increases firmness of stool and decreases urgency of ______.

defecation Signup and view all the answers

Match the medication with its primary therapeutic effect in managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS):

Alosetron (Lotronex) = Increases firmness of stool and decreases urgency of defecation Lubiprostone (Amitiza) = Increases fluid secretion in the intestine, promoting peristalsis Probiotics = Help metabolize foods, promote nutrient absorption Signup and view all the answers

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can lead to decreased calcium absorption due to increased stomach acid production.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

A patient taking sucralfate (Carafate) should be instructed to do which of the following?

Take the medication 1 hour before meals and at bedtime. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary action of antacids in treating peptic ulcer disease and GERD?

Neutralize or reduce stomach acid Signup and view all the answers

Misoprostol (Cytotec) acts as a prostaglandin in the GI tract to reduce gastric acid secretion and increase ________ and mucus production.

bicarbonate Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following antiemetics is contraindicated in patients with an active, untreated infection?

Dexamethasone (Decadron) (B) Signup and view all the answers

Ondansetron (Zofran) is administered to prevent nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy, radiation, or post-operative states, and a potential adverse effect includes a prolonged QT interval.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which antiemetic drug is also used as an appetite stimulant for oncology and AIDS patients and is considered a second-line therapy?

Dronabinol (Marinol) (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential adverse effect associated with dopamine antagonists like prochlorperazine (Compazine)?

Extrapyramidal symptoms Signup and view all the answers

The antiemetic drug scopolamine is an ________ that is used to prevent and treat motion sickness.

anticholinergic Signup and view all the answers

Match the antacid with its primary adverse effect:

Aluminum hydroxide = Constipation Magnesium hydroxide = Diarrhea Calcium carbonate = Constipation Signup and view all the answers

A patient is prescribed psyllium (Metamucil) for constipation. What crucial instruction should the nurse provide?

Take the medication with a full glass of water. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Surfactant laxatives like docusate sodium (Colace) directly stimulate intestinal peristalsis to promote bowel movements.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is lactulose prescribed for patients with elevated ammonia levels?

to lower ammonia levels in the blood Signup and view all the answers

The onset of action is the most important feature to consider when prescribing ______.

laxatives Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to slowly hydrate patients with electrolyte solutions while taking antidiarrheals?

To replenish fluids and electrolytes lost due to diarrhea, preventing dehydration. (C) Signup and view all the answers

A diabetic patient with gastroparesis is prescribed metoclopramide (Reglan). What is the primary reason for this medication?

To increase upper GI motility (peristalsis) and facilitate stomach emptying. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Match the following medications with their primary action:

Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) = Prevention of motion sickness Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) = Stimulate peristalsis, increase water & electrolytes in the intestines Loperamide (Imodium) = Decrease intestinal motility and increase the absorption of fluid & sodium Polyethylene glycol (Miralax) = Draw water into the intestine, increase mass of stool, stimulate peristalsis Signup and view all the answers

A patient taking bisacodyl (Dulcolax) orally should be instructed to avoid taking the medication with which of the following?

Milk or antacids. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Peptic Ulcer Disease Meds

Medications used to treat peptic ulcers, often caused by H. pylori, acid/pepsin imbalance, smoking, or NSAIDs.

Common Antibiotics for H. pylori

Amoxicillin, clarithromycin, tetracycline, or metronidazole.

H2-Receptor Antagonists

Cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine. They block histamine (H2) receptors to reduce gastric acid secretion.

Cimetidine (Tagamet) Adverse Effects

Confusion, hallucinations, restlessness, lethargy- especially in older adults with poor kidney or liver function.