A client has been taking an antacid for several weeks without improvement in symptoms. Which response by the nurse is most helpful?
a. "Tell me exactly how you take your antacid."
b. "Would you be willing to try a more expensive medication?"
c. "Are you sure you are taking this exactly as ordered?"
d. "Let's ask the health care provider if the dose can be doubled."
A
Antacids can be effective anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours after eating. Their neutralizing effect is eliminated when they are taken on an empty stomach. However some people take them before eating to prevent symptoms. The nurse should first discover how the client takes the medication before suggesting other medications or increasing the dose. Asking the client whether the medication is being taken exactly as ordered is a closed-ended question, which is not a good communication tool. Also, the way the statement is phrased is likely to place the client on the defensive.
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