The nurse is caring for a client newly diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The client complains to the nurse of severe burning in the esophagus. The provider orders magnesium hydroxide. What outcome should the nurse expect if the medication achieves the desired therapeutic effect?
Neutralized gastric acid
Reduced stomach motility
Reduced duodenal pH
An increased barrier to pepsin
The Correct Answer is A
A. Magnesium hydroxide is an antacid medication that works by neutralizing gastric acid in the stomach. Therefore, if the medication achieves the desired therapeutic effect, the nurse should expect neutralization of gastric acid, which can alleviate the burning sensation in the esophagus associated with GERD.
B. Magnesium hydroxide does not directly affect stomach motility. Instead, its primary action is to neutralize gastric acid. Therefore, reducing stomach motility is not an expected outcome of magnesium hydroxide administration.
C. Magnesium hydroxide primarily acts within the stomach to neutralize gastric acid and does not significantly affect the pH of the duodenum. Therefore, reduced duodenal pH is not an expected outcome of magnesium hydroxide administration.
D. Pepsin is an enzyme involved in the digestion of proteins and can contribute to tissue damage if refluxed into the esophagus. Although reducing gastric acidity can indirectly decrease the activity of pepsin, magnesium hydroxide does not directly increase the barrier to pepsin.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While it may have some impact on kidney function indirectly through its effects on blood pressure and heart function, urine output is not the primary parameter used to assess the effectiveness of carvedilol in a patient with a history of unstable angina.
B. Carvedilol, as a beta-blocker, helps reduce heart rate by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart. In unstable angina, lowering the heart rate can reduce myocardial oxygen demand, which is beneficial in managing ischemic symptoms
C. Carvedilol primarily affects heart rate and blood pressure but doesn't directly regulate heart rhythm. However, in patients with certain cardiac conditions, like heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction after a heart attack, carvedilol can sometimes help to stabilize heart rhythm indirectly by reducing stress on the heart.
D. Carvedilol is also effective in reducing blood pressure, which is beneficial in patients with unstable angina, as it decreases the workload on the heart and the oxygen demand of the myocardium. A blood pressure reading of 120/90 is within the normal range for an adult and indicates good control of blood pressure.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Bowel sounds are typically present and indicate normal gastrointestinal motility. A change from normoactive (normal) to absent bowel sounds can indicate bowel obstruction, perforation, or peritonitis, which are serious complications of diverticulitis. This change warrants immediate reporting to the physician as it may indicate a worsening condition requiring urgent intervention.
A. A temperature of 101.2°F (38.4°C) is slightly elevated and may indicate the presence of infection, which is concerning in the context of diverticulitis. Fever is a common symptom of diverticulitis, but an elevated temperature may also suggest worsening infection or the development of complications such as abscess formation or perforation.
C. Left lower quadrant discomfort is a common symptom of diverticulitis due to inflammation in the sigmoid colon, where diverticula are most prevalent. While discomfort is expected in diverticulitis, the severity and persistence of pain should be assessed.
D. An elevated white blood cell (WBC) count is indicative of inflammation or infection and is commonly seen in diverticulitis. However, the significance of the elevation depends on the degree of increase and the presence of other clinical findings.
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