Hesi Pharmacology exam 2
Hesi Pharmacology exam 2 ( 36 Questions)
A male client with a history of heart failure (HF) complains of heartburn when he lies down after dinner.
The home health nurse should encourage the client to talk to the healthcare provider about using which over-the-counter medication to relieve this problem?
Heartburn when lying down after dinner can be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is a common concern in individuals with heart failure. Antacids are commonly used to relieve heartburn by neutralizing stomach acid. For patients with heart failure, it is essential to use low sodium antacids because excess sodium intake can worsen fluid retention and lead to increased heart failure symptoms. Low sodium antacids are specifically designed to minimize the sodium content, making them a suitable choice for individuals with heart failure.
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine commonly used for allergy relief and as a sleep aid due to its sedative effects. However, it is not an appropriate choice for relieving heartburn. Diphenhydramine does not have any direct effect on stomach acid, and it is not indicated for GERD or heartburn relief.
Low dose aspirin is primarily used as an antiplatelet agent to reduce the risk of blood clots and is commonly prescribed for patients with certain cardiovascular conditions. However, it is not a suitable medication for relieving heartburn. In fact, aspirin can irritate the stomach lining and worsen symptoms of heartburn and gastric irritation.
Acetaminophen is a common over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer. While it is useful for managing pain and fever, it does not have any effect on stomach acid and is not indicated for heartburn relief. Acetaminophen is not an appropriate choice for addressing heartburn symptoms.
Choice A rationale: Heartburn when lying down after dinner can be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is a common concern in individuals with heart failure. Antacids are commonly used to relieve heartburn by neutralizing stomach acid. For patients with heart failure, it is essential to use low sodium antacids because excess sodium intake can worsen fluid retention and lead to increased heart failure symptoms. Low sodium antacids are specifically designed to minimize the sodium content, making them a suitable choice for individuals with heart failure.
Choice B rationale: Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine commonly used for allergy relief and as a sleep aid due to its sedative effects. However, it is not an appropriate choice for relieving heartburn. Diphenhydramine does not have any direct effect on stomach acid, and it is not indicated for GERD or heartburn relief.
Choice C rationale: Low dose aspirin is primarily used as an antiplatelet agent to reduce the risk of blood clots and is commonly prescribed for patients with certain cardiovascular conditions. However, it is not a suitable medication for relieving heartburn. In fact, aspirin can irritate the stomach lining and worsen symptoms of heartburn and gastric irritation.
Choice D rationale: Acetaminophen is a common over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer. While it is useful for managing pain and fever, it does not have any effect on stomach acid and is not indicated for heartburn relief. Acetaminophen is not an appropriate choice for addressing heartburn symptoms.