A patient who complains of gastric distress from NSAIDS such as aspirin or indomethacin will most likely benefit from the administration of which medication?

A. Blood cultures will need to be drawn.

Blood cultures are not typically used for diagnosing H. pylori infection. Instead, specific blood tests, such as serology or antibody tests, may be employed to detect antibodies against H. pylori.

B. A biopsy of the stomach will be done.

While a biopsy may be taken during an upper endoscopy to examine the stomach lining for ulcers and H. pylori infection, it is not the primary method for detecting the presence of H. pylori. The biopsy may be used for confirming the infection and assessing the severity of damage.

C. A breath test will be performed.

This is the correct choice. The breath test is a common and non-invasive method used to detect the presence of H. pylori. The patient drinks a solution containing a substance that H. pylori can break down, and the detection of carbon dioxide in the patient's breath indicates the presence of the bacteria.

D. Computerized scanning will identify if H. pylori is present.

Computerized scanning, such as computed tomography (CT) scans, is not a primary method for detecting H. pylori. Imaging studies are not typically used for H. pylori diagnosis, and the methods mentioned earlier, like breath tests and endoscopy, are more commonly employed.

A. Ask a colleague what the order says:

This option involves seeking assistance from a colleague to interpret the illegible handwriting. While collaboration among healthcare professionals is important, relying on a colleague to interpret unclear handwriting may introduce the risk of miscommunication or misinterpretation.

B. Contact the prescriber to clarify the order:

This is the recommended and safest option. Contacting the prescriber directly to seek clarification ensures accurate information and reduces the risk of misinterpretation or errors related to illegible handwriting.

C. Wait until the prescriber makes rounds again to clarify the order:

This option involves delaying clarification until the prescriber is available during rounds. Waiting may not be ideal if the patient requires prompt intervention or if there is an urgency in administering the medication. Timely communication is crucial for patient safety.

D. Ask the patient what medications he takes at home:

This option is unrelated to the issue of illegible handwriting on the prescription. While obtaining a patient's medication history is important for comprehensive care, it does not address the immediate need to clarify the unclear order.