A patient prescribed pantoprazole (Protonix) asks the purpose of the medication. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

Question

1. "The medication will stop the stomach bleeding."
2. "The medication will provide a protective coating to your gastrointestinal system."
3. "The medication is used to reduce the acid in your gastric secretions and stabilize the clot to prevent further bleeding."
4. "The medication will eliminate any potential gastrointestinal infection you may have."

Answer 1

3
Rationale 1: This medication does not stop gastrointestinal bleeding.
Rationale 2: This medication will not provide a protective coating to the gastrointestinal system.
Rationale 3: Pantoprazole (Protonix) is a proton pump inhibitor. Aggressive PPI treatment is used to maintain the gastric pH between 6.0 and 6.5 and is recommended to promote clot stability.
Rationale 4: The management of H. pylori infection is treated with pantoprazole (Protonix) and the use of antibiotics.