A client was placed on ranitidine (Zantac) 2 days ago, and continues to complain of ulcer pain. What is the best response by the nurse?

Question

1. "We'll switch you to a different medication."
2. "You probably have something else besides an ulcer."
3. "You might not notice relief for several days."
4. "You should be taking the medication with food."

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 3

Rationale 1: "We'll switch you to a different medication" is incorrect because switching to a different medication would be premature at this point.
Rationale 2: "You probably have something else besides an ulcer" is incorrect because diagnosing another condition is outside the scope of nursing practice.
Rationale 3: Patients should be advised that it can take several days of therapy before they gain relief from ulcer pain. Beneficial effects last 3–5 days after therapy is stopped.
Rationale 4: "You should be taking the medication with food" is incorrect because the medication can be taken with or without food.

Global Rationale: Patients should be advised that it can take several days of therapy before they gain relief from ulcer pain. Beneficial effects last 3—5 days after therapy is stopped. "We'll switch you to a different medication" is incorrect because switching to a different medication would be premature at this point. "You probably have something else besides an ulcer" is incorrect because diagnosing another condition is outside the scope of nursing practice. "You should be taking the medication with food" is incorrect because the medication can be taken with or without food.