Pharmacology HESI Practice Related

Review Pharmacology HESI Practice related questions and content

A client is prescribed an antacid for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. What is the action of this medication that is effective in treating the client's ulcer?

  • A. Decrease in the production of gastric secretions
  • B. Production of an adherent barrier over the ulcer
  • C. Maintenance of a gastric pH of 3.5 or above
  • D. Decrease in the gastric motor activity
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Antacids work by neutralizing gastric acids and maintaining a gastric pH of 3.5 or above. This pH level is crucial to prevent the activation of pepsinogen, a precursor to pepsin, which can further damage the ulcer. Choice A is incorrect because antacids do not directly decrease the production of gastric secretions; they neutralize existing acid. Choice B is incorrect as antacids do not form a physical barrier over the ulcer but rather neutralize the acid around it. Choice D is also incorrect as antacids do not affect gastric motor activity but focus on reducing acidity in the stomach.