A client who has been on long-term omeprazole therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease is admitted to the hospital for a urinary tract infection. The nurse recognizes that this client is at highest risk for which complication due to omeprazole use?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is common as these medications are available over the counter. PPIs impair intestinal calcium absorption and therefore are associated with decreased bone density, which increases the possibility of fractures of the spine, hip, and wrist. PPIs cause acid suppression that otherwise would have prevented pathogens from more easily colonizing the upper gastrointestinal tract. This leads to increased risk of pneumonias. PPI use may also increase the risk for clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD); currently the cause is unclear. A safety alert has been issued by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advising health care providers to consider CDAD for unresolved diarrhea in PPI users. This client would be receiving antibiotics for a urinary tract infection, further increasing the risk for C difficile infection (Option A). (Option B) Gait disturbance (ataxia) is commonly seen with phenytoin toxicity. (Option C) Jaw necrosis is associated with long-term bisphosphonate (eg, alendronate, risedronate) therapy. (Option D) Tremor is seen with lithium toxicity and albuterol (short-acting beta agonist) use. Educational objective: Long-term use of PPIs (Prazoles - omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, rebeprazole) has been associated with decreased bone density (calcium malabsorption) and increased risk for C difficile-associated diarrhea and pneumonia.

A Client Who Has Been on Long-Term Omeprazole Therapy for Gastroesophageal