Sherpath- Antacid Therapy
Which statement by the nursing student in regard to the pharmacokinetic parameters of calcium carbonate requires further intervention?
"The solubility of calcium is decreased in an acidic environment." This statement is inaccurate. The solubility of calcium is increased, not decreased, in an acidic environment.
Which patients would a nurse determine have precautions to treatment with calcium carbonate?
-A patient with hypoparathyroid disease Hypoparathyroid disease is a precaution for treatment with calcium carbonate, and the nurse should monitor the patient closely if the patient receives therapy. -A patient with renal dysfunction on dialysis Renal dysfunction is a precaution for treatment with calcium carbonate, and the nurse should monitor the patient closely if the patient receives therapy.
Which time frame can a nurse expect aluminum hydroxide to reach its peak concentration?
30 minutes The time to reach the peak concentration for aluminum hydroxide is 30 minutes.
A patient who takes an antacid frequently for persistent heartburn presents with confusion and extreme muscle weakness. The patient is also having difficulty speaking. Which antacid would a nurse suspect this patient may have been receiving in excess?
Aluminum hydroxide The patient is experiencing signs and symptoms of aluminum toxicity. This is characterized by speech problems, muscle weakness, confusion, bone pain, and seizures. Therefore the potential causative agent is aluminum hydroxide, particularly because this patient has been frequently and excessively using antacids.
Which statement about the classification of antacids is accurate?
Aluminum hydroxide is a non-systemic antacid that can cause constipation. The non-systemic antacid aluminum hydroxide may cause constipation.
Which outcome would a nurse anticipate might occur when magnesium hydroxide is administered with phenytoin?
Decreased absorption and efficacy of phenytoin When phenytoin and magnesium hydroxide are coadministered, the efficacy of phenytoin is decreased because the GI absorption of the phenytoin is impeded.
Which effect would a nurse monitor for in a patient who is receiving glipizide, a sulfonylurea, and aluminum hydroxide?
Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia may occur when a sulfonylurea and aluminum hydroxide are taken together. The effect of the sulfonylurea may be chemically enhanced by the antacid due to the effects of pH.
Which phrases accurately describe the mechanisms of action exerted by antacids?
Raise gastric pH Antacids are effective in the treatment of heartburn and indigestion by raising gastric pH. Neutralize stomach acidity Antacids are effective in the treatment of heartburn and indigestion by neutralizing hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Lower pepsin activity Antacids are effective in the treatment of heartburn and indigestion by lowering pepsin activity.
A nurse is caring for a patient who takes calcium carbonate and was recently prescribed ciprofloxacin, a quinolone, for a urinary tract infection. Which teaching point would the nurse share with this patient about administration of these drugs?
Take calcium carbonate 1 to 2 hours after ciprofloxacin. Calcium carbonate should be taken 1 to 2 hours after ciprofloxacin has been administered. Taking them together can decrease the absorption of ciprofloxacin by 50%, thereby reducing its efficacy.
