What is the primary purpose of prescribing a histamine receptor antagonist for an infant diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux?
Prevent reflux.
Reduce gastric acid production.
Prevent hematemesis.
Increase gastric acid production.
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice B. Reduce gastric acid production.
Choice A rationale:
Preventing reflux is not the primary purpose of prescribing a histamine receptor antagonist. Histamine receptor antagonists work by reducing gastric acid production, which in turn can help alleviate symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). They do not directly prevent the physical reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus.
Choice B rationale:
The primary purpose of prescribing a histamine receptor antagonist for an infant diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux is to reduce gastric acid production. Histamine stimulates acid secretion in the stomach, and these medications (e.g., ranitidine, famotidine) block histamine receptors on stomach cells, leading to decreased acid secretion. This helps reduce the acidity of stomach contents that could contribute to esophageal irritation in GERD.
Choice C rationale:
Preventing hematemesis (vomiting blood) is not a primary action of histamine receptor antagonists. While reducing gastric acid production might indirectly help prevent complications such as bleeding due to irritation and inflammation of the esophagus, it's not the main purpose of these medications.
Choice D rationale:
Increasing gastric acid production is the opposite of the intended effect of histamine receptor antagonists. These medications are specifically used to decrease gastric acid production and provide relief from conditions where excess acid is causing problems, such as GERD.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A goiter refers to the enlargement or hypertrophy of the thyroid gland. This can occur due to various reasons, such as iodine deficiency, autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto's thyroiditis, or Graves' disease (which is associated with hyperthyroidism). The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism and growth, and when it becomes enlarged, it can lead to visible swelling in the neck.
Choice B rationale:
The posterior pituitary gland is responsible for the release of hormones like vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) and oxytocin. A goiter is not associated with the posterior pituitary gland. Issues with the posterior pituitary can lead to problems with water balance and uterine contractions, but not thyroid enlargement.
Choice C rationale:
The adrenal glands are responsible for producing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. While adrenal disorders can lead to various hormonal imbalances, a goiter is not related to adrenal gland function. Adrenal issues might cause symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, and blood pressure irregularities.
Choice D rationale:
The anterior pituitary gland produces hormones that regulate the functions of other endocrine glands, including the thyroid gland. However, a goiter is not directly associated with the anterior pituitary. The anterior pituitary's malfunction can result in disorders like growth hormone deficiency or Cushing's disease, but not thyroid enlargement.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. Crohn's disease.
Choice A rationale:
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the colon and rectum, causing continuous areas of inflammation and ulcers. It does not involve any part of the GI tract from mouth to anus as stated in the question.
Choice B rationale:
Meckel's diverticulum is a congenital condition where a small pouch forms in the lower part of the small intestine. It is not characterized by a chronic inflammatory process involving various parts of the GI tract.
Choice C rationale:
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus. It commonly causes inflammation, ulceration, and narrowing of the affected segments of the intestines. This inflammation can lead to a range of symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. The question accurately describes Crohn's disease.
Choice D rationale:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort and changes in bowel habits. It is not associated with chronic inflammatory processes or ulceration as seen in Crohn's disease.
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