The nurse has administered an antacid and a proton pump inhibitor for GERD. Which data would indicate to the nurse that the medications are effective?
A decrease in gastric distress.
Amylase levels return to normal
A decrease in vomiting.
An increase in gastric motility
The Correct Answer is A
A. This is a strong indicator of effectiveness. Both antacids and PPIs aim to reduce gastric acidity, which alleviates symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and discomfort. A decrease in gastric distress suggests that the medications are successfully managing the symptoms of GERD.
B. Amylase is an enzyme primarily related to carbohydrate digestion, and its levels are not directly related to GERD or the effectiveness of antacids and PPIs. Normalizing amylase levels would not indicate the effectiveness of treatment for GERD, making this option irrelevant in this context.
C. While a decrease in vomiting may indicate an improvement in GERD symptoms, it is not the primary focus of treatment with antacids and PPIs. GERD primarily involves symptoms like heartburn and acid reflux rather than vomiting. However, if vomiting was due to severe reflux, improvement might indicate effectiveness.
D. Gastric motility refers to the movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract. While normal gastric motility can be beneficial, antacids and PPIs do not primarily aim to increase motility; their focus is on reducing acidity and managing reflux symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Auscultating breath sounds can provide valuable information about the presence of wheezing, crackles, or diminished breath sounds, which may indicate respiratory issues. However, while this assessment is important for understanding the underlying cause of dyspnea, it does not directly measure the patient's oxygenation status.
B. Observing chest expansion can help the nurse assess the mechanics of breathing and whether there are any restrictions in lung expansion. While this assessment is useful, it does not provide a clear indication of the patient's oxygen saturation levels or immediate need for supplemental oxygen.
C. Measuring capillary refill can give insights into peripheral perfusion and circulation, which can be affected by oxygenation. However, it is not the most direct or specific assessment for determining the need for supplemental oxygen in a patient with dyspnea.
D. Measuring oxygen saturation (using a pulse oximeter) provides a direct and objective assessment of the patient's oxygenation status. Normal oxygen saturation levels typically range from 95% to 100%. If the oxygen saturation is below the acceptable range (usually less than 92% in many clinical settings), this would indicate the need for supplemental oxygen.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Antibiotics should not be tapered unless specifically directed by a healthcare provider. It is essential to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if the child begins to feel better, to ensure the infection is fully treated.
B. Antibiotics should be administered as prescribed regardless of whether the child has a fever. Fever can be a sign of infection, but it is not the sole criterion for administering antibiotics.
C. Parents should complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if the child appears to be improving. This helps to prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and ensures that the infection is fully treated.
D. While it is common for parents to want to stop medications when their child feels better, it is crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics. Stopping early can lead to a recurrence of the infection and contribute to antibiotic resistance.
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