A patient admitted to the hospital has a history of peptic ulcer disease. The patient takes ranitidine (Zantac) and sucralfate (Carafate)

Question

The patient tells the nurse that discomfort is usually controlled but that symptoms occasionally flare up. What will the nurse do?
a. Ask the provider about ordering an endoscopic examination.
b. Contact the provider to discuss serologic testing and an antibiotic.
c. Contact the provider to discuss switching to a proton pump inhibitor.
d. Counsel the patient to avoid beverages containing caffeine.

Answer 1

ANS: B
The recommendation for all patients with gastric or duodenal ulcers and documented Helicobacter pylori infection is treatment with antibiotics. The nurse is correct to ask about serologic testing for this organism and to suggest adding an antibiotic to this patient's regimen. An endoscopic examination is not recommended. Changing to a proton pump inhibitor may not change the symptoms. There is no evidence that caffeine contributes to peptic ulcer disease (PUD).