Question

a nurse is discussing the use of antacids with a client who has peptic ulcer disease. which of the following actions of antacids should the nurse reinforce to the client as being beneficial for their treatment plan?

• antacids block the hydrogen potassium atpase enzyme in the parietal cells of the stomach.
• antacids neutralize gastric acid in the stomach, which can help heal ulcers.
• antacids form a thick paste that adheres to the surface of the ulcer.
• antacids inhibit gastric acid secretion by blocking histamine receptors on parietal cells.

Explanation:

• Blocking H+/K+ ATPase is the action of proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole), not antacids.
• Antacids work by directly neutralizing existing gastric acid in the stomach, reducing stomach acidity to promote ulcer healing, which aligns with peptic ulcer treatment goals.
• Forming a protective paste over ulcers is the action of mucosal protectants (e.g., sucralfate), not antacids.
• Blocking histamine receptors to reduce acid secretion is the action of H2 receptor antagonists (e.g., ranitidine), not antacids.

Answer:

Antacids neutralize gastric acid in the stomach, which can help heal ulcers.