A patient with peptic ulcer disease is scheduled to receive doses of pantoprazole IV and sucralfate PO before breakfast at 0800. The patient reports experiencing heartburn. The nurse brings the scheduled medications. Which action should the nurse take?
Provide a PRN dose of antacid along with the scheduled medications.
Instruct the client to take the dose of sucralfate PO while eating breakfast.
Hold the dose of IV pantoprazole until the client has finished eating breakfast.
Administer both of the medications before breakfast as scheduled.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Providing a PRN dose of antacid along with the scheduled medications is not the best option. Antacids can interfere with the absorption of other medications, including sucralfate and pantoprazole. Sucralfate works by forming a protective barrier on the ulcer site, and pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that reduces stomach acid production. Adding an antacid could alter the effectiveness of these medications.
Choice B Reason:
Instructing the client to take the dose of sucralfate PO while eating breakfast is incorrect. Sucralfate should be taken on an empty stomach, typically one hour before meals, to ensure it can effectively coat the ulcer site and provide protection. Taking it with food can reduce its efficacy.
Choice C Reason:
Holding the dose of IV pantoprazole until the client has finished eating breakfast is not advisable. Pantoprazole is most effective when taken before meals, as it helps to reduce stomach acid production in anticipation of food intake. Delaying the dose could result in less effective acid suppression and increased discomfort for the patient.
Choice D Reason:
Administering both of the medications before breakfast as scheduled is the correct action. Sucralfate should be taken on an empty stomach to form a protective barrier on the ulcer site, and pantoprazole should be administered before meals to reduce stomach acid production. This timing ensures both medications work optimally to manage the patient’s peptic ulcer disease and alleviate symptoms like heartburn.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Taking tamsulosin early in the day is not necessary. Tamsulosin should be taken approximately 30 minutes after the same meal each day to ensure consistent absorption and effectiveness1. The timing of the dose is less critical than ensuring it is taken after the same meal daily.
Choice B reason: Tamsulosin can cause orthostatic hypotension, which is a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up from a sitting or lying position. This can lead to dizziness or fainting. Therefore, it is crucial to instruct patients to stand and sit up slowly to prevent falls and injuries.
Choice C reason: Reducing daily fluid intake is not recommended for patients taking tamsulosin. Adequate hydration is important for overall health and can help manage urinary symptoms associated with BPH. There is no evidence suggesting that fluid restriction improves the effectiveness of tamsulosin.
Choice D reason: Tamsulosin should be taken daily, not on a twice-a-week dosing schedule. Consistent daily dosing is necessary to maintain stable blood levels of the medication and ensure its effectiveness in managing urinary retention due to BPH.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Documenting the client’s refusal of the medication at this time is not the best response. While it is important to document any refusal of medication, the nurse should first educate the client on the proper administration of sucralfate. Sucralfate works by forming a protective barrier over ulcers, and it is most effective when taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before meals.
Choice B reason:
Explaining the need to take the medication at least 1 hour before meals is the correct response. Sucralfate should be taken on an empty stomach to ensure it can effectively coat the stomach lining and protect it from acid. Taking it before meals maximizes its efficacy in treating and preventing ulcers.

Choice C reason:
Allowing the client to take the medication up to 1 hour after breakfast is not appropriate. Sucralfate needs to be taken on an empty stomach to form a protective barrier over the ulcer. Taking it after a meal would reduce its effectiveness, as the presence of food can interfere with its action.
Choice D reason:
Instructing the client to take it when the meal tray is delivered is incorrect. Sucralfate should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before meals, to ensure it can properly coat the stomach lining and provide the necessary protection against stomach acid
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