A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is going to take an expectorant to manage a cough. The nurse should explain that this type of medication treats coughs by which of the following mechanisms?

A. Therapeutic effects may take weeks: the onset of the antisecretory effect of omeprazole is usually achieved within one hour, but it may take up to 4 weeks for it to work fully.
B. This drug should not be taken for a prolonged period of time: prolonged use can lead to complications such as nutrient malabsorption and bone fractures.
C. This drug must be used with antacids to be effective: This is incorrect; omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor and works independently of antacids.
D. This drug is safe for long-term use: Omeprazole is generally safe for short-term use, but long-term use should be carefully monitored due to potential risks (such as decreased bone density, vitamin B12 deficiency, and kidney disease). It is not considered safe for indefinite or unrestricted long-term use.

A. Antacids: Antacids are generally used to neutralize stomach acid and can provide symptomatic relief for peptic ulcer disease (PUD). They are not typically contraindicated and can be part of the treatment regimen, although they do not address the underlying cause of PUD.
B. NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are known to irritate the gastric mucosa and can exacerbate or cause peptic ulcers by inhibiting the production of protective prostaglandins in the stomach lining. Patients with peptic ulcer disease should avoid NSAIDs to prevent further irritation and ulcer formation.
C. PPIs: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly prescribed to reduce gastric acid secretion and promote ulcer healing in peptic ulcer disease. They are a key component of the treatment regimen and not to be avoided unless there are specific contraindications.
D. H2-receptor blockers: H2-receptor blockers reduce stomach acid production and are used to treat and prevent peptic ulcers. They are an important part of the management strategy for PUD and are not typically contraindicated.