The nurse is caring for a client who had surgery yesterday. When administering omeprazole, the client asks "What is that for? I don't take it at home." Which reply by the nurse is most appropriate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that suppresses the production of gastric acid by inhibiting the proton pump in the parietal cells of the stomach. In most hospitalized clients without a history of GERD or ulcers, PPIs are prescribed to prevent stress ulcers from developing during surgery or a major illness. Although evidence has shown that two-thirds of clients who receive PPIs do not need them, these medications are still widely prescribed in hospitalized clients. PPIs can be identified by their "-prazole" ending (eg, pantoprazole, lansoprazole, esomeprazole). (Option A) Metoclopramide (Reglan) is not a PPI. It decreases postoperative nausea by promoting gastric emptying. (Option C) PPIs may be associated with an increased risk of Clostridium difficile infection with antibiotic use. (Option D) The client does not take this medication at home. The nurse is assuming that the client has a history of GERD rather than assessing for this condition first. Educational objective: PPIs such as omeprazole are often prescribed to hospitalized clients without GERD or ulcers to prevent stress ulcers from developing during surgery or a major illness.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client Who Had Surgery