Antacids & Acid Control
The primary action of antacids.
What is neutralizing gastric acid?
PPIs work by blocking this structure in the stomach.
What is the proton pump in parietal cells?
This laxative type increases stool bulk and moisture.
What is bulk-forming laxative?
Diarrhea lasting longer than this requires provider notification.
What is 48 hours?
Laxatives should NOT be used in patients with this symptom.
What is severe abdominal pain?
A patient taking pantoprazole asks how it works. Best response:
What is it blocks acid production at the proton pump?
Best time to take antacids for maximum effectiveness.
What is between meals and at bedtime?
H2 blockers reduce acid by blocking this.
What is histamine receptors?
This laxative works fastest and is used before colonoscopy.
What is osmotic laxative?
This life-threatening syndrome is associated with promethazine and presents with fever.
What is neuroleptic malignant syndrome?
This condition makes anticholinergics like dicyclomine unsafe.
What is BPH (or glaucoma or GI obstruction)?
A patient taking magnesium antacids reports near fainting. Priority action:
What is assess for hypermagnesemia?
When taken with H2 blockers, antacids should be given this way.
What is at least 1 hour apart (antacid first)?
A key teaching for patients on PPIs related to bone health.
What is monitor calcium/vitamin D due to osteoporosis risk?
This laxative stimulates intestinal nerves to increase peristalsis.
What is stimulant laxative?
This drug used for gastroparesis requires monitoring for suicidal thoughts.
What is metoclopramide?
Top priority teaching about laxatives and bowel habits.
What is they are not a substitute for diet and activity?
A patient with constipation reports severe abdominal pain and wants a laxative.
What is do NOT give—possible obstruction or appendicitis?
A patient taking magnesium antacids reports dizziness and weakness—this condition is suspected.
What is hypermagnesemia?
This lifestyle habit decreases effectiveness of H2 blockers.
What is smoking?
This is the mechanism of fecal softeners like docusate.
What is lowering surface tension to allow water into stool?
This electrolyte imbalance can occur with osmotic laxatives in renal patients.
What is hypermagnesemia?
This is the primary reason lactulose is used in liver failure.
What is reducing ammonia levels?
A patient on metoclopramide reports feeling “very down lately.” Priority action:
What is report possible depression/suicidal ideation?
Name 3 signs of severe hypermagnesemia.
What are hypotension, bradycardia, and muscle weakness?
A patient taking famotidine OTC should report use beyond this timeframe.
What is 2 weeks?
Chronic use of stimulant laxatives leads to this condition.
What is cathartic colon?
These cardiovascular symptoms may occur with phenothiazines.
What are angina, tachycardia, and orthostatic hypotension?
After giving atropine, this vital sign must be closely monitored.
What is heart rate?
Why did the laxative get promoted at work?
Because it really got things moving when everyone else was stuck!