An Older Patient with a Newly Diagnosed Peptic Ulcer Asks

An older patient with a newly diagnosed peptic ulcer asks why lifestyle alterations are necessary. What should the nurse explain to the patient about their new diagnosis?

A) "It is important to reduce alcohol; it stimulates gastric acid secretion."
B) "It is important to reduce alcohol; it acts to suppress gastric immunity."
C) "It is important to eat two large meals per day; this will reduce abdominal pain."
D) "It is important to reduce smoking because tobacco reduces the effectiveness of gastric ulcer medications."