Antacids

Every question here, with the answer

1. A client with heart failure asks which antacid to buy for heartburn and mentions sodium bicarbonate. What should the nurse explain?

   1. Sodium bicarbonate is the safest choice in heart failure.
   2. Its sodium content may not suit people with conditions that cause fluid retention, such as heart failure.
   3. It has no effect on fluid balance.
   4. It is safe as long as it is taken with meals.

   Answer: Its sodium content may not suit people with conditions that cause fluid retention, such as heart failure.

   Sodium bicarbonate contains sodium and may not be suitable for sodium-restricted diets or conditions that cause fluid retention like heart failure. Timing with meals does not remove the sodium load.

2. A client takes calcium carbonate chewable tablets and several other daily medications. What should the nurse teach?

   1. Take the antacid only on an empty stomach in the morning.
   2. Take the antacid 1 hour before or 2 hours after other medications.
   3. Take the antacid together with the other medications.
   4. Swallow the chewable tablets whole.

   Answer: Take the antacid 1 hour before or 2 hours after other medications.

   Calcium carbonate may decrease absorption of all medications, so it is taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after them. Chewable tablets must be chewed thoroughly, and as an antacid it is given after meals and at bedtime.

3. A client with chronic kidney disease has been taking a magnesium-containing antacid for months. Which findings suggest hypermagnesemia? Select all that apply.

   1. Low blood pressure
   2. Excessive thirst and dry mouth
   3. Constipation
   4. Diarrhea
   5. Muscle weakness

   Answer: Low blood pressure, Diarrhea, Muscle weakness

   Hypermagnesemia may cause muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and low blood pressure. Thirst and dry mouth point to hypernatremia, and constipation is linked to aluminum or calcium antacids.

4. A client says they have been taking an antacid every day for a month. What is the nurse's best response?

   1. Switch between two antacids at the same time for better effect.
   2. That is fine as long as symptoms improve.
   3. Double the dose so you can stop sooner.
   4. Antacids are meant for short-term use, and should not be used for more than 2 weeks.

   Answer: Antacids are meant for short-term use, and should not be used for more than 2 weeks.

   Antacids are recommended for short-term use only, and clients should not use them for more than 2 weeks or take two different antacids at the same time. Longer use raises the risk of electrolyte imbalances.

5. The nurse is teaching a client about taking antacids. Which instructions should be included? Select all that apply.

   1. Shake suspensions well before taking.
   2. Keep using them for several months.
   3. Drink 8 ounces of fluid after taking antacids.
   4. Chew oral tablets thoroughly before swallowing.
   5. Take two different antacids together for faster relief.

   Answer: Shake suspensions well before taking., Drink 8 ounces of fluid after taking antacids., Chew oral tablets thoroughly before swallowing.

   Clients should chew tablets thoroughly, shake suspensions well, and drink 8 ounces of fluid afterward. They should not take two types of antacids at the same time or use them for more than 2 weeks.

6. A client who takes large doses of calcium carbonate reports hard, infrequent stools. How should the nurse interpret this?

   1. It is a sign of hypermagnesemia.
   2. It is an adverse effect of calcium-containing antacids.
   3. It means the antacid is not working.
   4. It is caused by rebound hyperacidity.

   Answer: It is an adverse effect of calcium-containing antacids.

   Constipation is a typical adverse effect of antacids containing aluminum or calcium, especially in large amounts or over time. Magnesium antacids tend to cause diarrhea instead, and rebound hyperacidity is extra acid, not constipation.