Pharmacology Gastrointestinal Chapter 56-59 Study Guide

Free preview · Original latest version

Sample questions from Pharmacology Gastrointestinal Chapter 56-59 Study Guide

This material has 24 questions with answers and rationales. Here are the first 5.

1. 1.A patient asks why an antacid relieves heartburn quickly but the prescribed proton pump inhibitor is taken every morning. Which explanation is best?

   • A.The antacid neutralizes existing acid, while the PPI suppresses acid production.
   • B.Both drugs have identical mechanisms but different names.
   • C.The PPI coats the ulcer, while the antacid permanently stops acid secretion.
   • D.The antacid eradicates H. pylori, while the PPI treats nausea.

   Rationale: B correctly distinguishes neutralization from suppression of acid production. A is incorrect because antacids do not eradicate H. pylori. C incorrectly describes a mucosal-protective mechanism and exaggerates antacid action. D ignores the different mechanisms and durations.

2. 2.A patient has coffee-ground emesis, a pulse of 118/min, and dizziness. The initial hemoglobin is within the laboratory reference range. What should the nurse do first?

   • A.Give an oral antacid and reassess the next morning.
   • B.Reassure the patient that a normal hemoglobin excludes bleeding.
   • C.Assess perfusion and activate the appropriate urgent evaluation pathway.
   • D.Encourage ambulation to determine whether dizziness persists.

   Rationale: C addresses possible gastrointestinal hemorrhage and impaired circulation. A is incorrect because hemoglobin may initially remain normal in acute blood loss. B delays necessary evaluation and may be inappropriate orally. D increases fall risk and does not address instability.

3. 3.Which instruction is appropriate for a patient prescribed a conventional delayed-release omeprazole capsule once daily?

   • A.Stop it permanently after the first symptom-free day.
   • B.Take it approximately 30-60 minutes before breakfast as directed.
   • C.Crush the granules to make the medication act faster.
   • D.Use it only when immediate relief is needed during a meal.

   Rationale: A supports effective inhibition of meal-activated proton pumps. B can destroy the protective dosage form. C treats a scheduled acid suppressant as an immediate rescue medication. D disregards the prescribed indication and duration.

4. 4.An older adult with reduced renal function becomes confused after starting famotidine. Which interpretation is most appropriate?

   • A.The dose should be doubled because confusion indicates untreated reflux.
   • B.Famotidine cannot affect the central nervous system.
   • C.Confusion is proof of a new gastrointestinal infection.
   • D.Drug accumulation or a central nervous system adverse effect should be evaluated.

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.

5. 5.A patient with advanced chronic kidney disease requests magnesium hydroxide for constipation. What is the nurse's best response?

   • A.Review the request with the prescriber because magnesium can accumulate.
   • B.Give an extra dose because kidney disease reduces laxative activity.
   • C.Explain that all nonprescription laxatives are safe in kidney disease.
   • D.Recommend simultaneous magnesium antacid use to improve effectiveness.

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.