A 38-year-old woman asks the nurse, "Can I just use Tums (calcium carbonate) to help prevent osteoporosis?" Which of the following responses by the nurse is best?
A) "Tums are really an antacid, so there isn't any research to support their use that way."
B) "You can use them that way, but they aren't very effective."
C) "Did your doctor tell you to start taking a calcium supplement?"
D) "It is safe to use them as a calcium supplement, but make sure you're getting enough vitamin D as well."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tums contain calcium carbonate which can be used as a calcium supplement to help prevent osteoporosis. However, it is important to make sure that the patient is also getting enough vitamin D to help with absorption of the calcium. Option A is not entirely accurate as Tums are often used as a calcium supplement. Option B is not a helpful response as it does not give any further information. Option C is an important follow-up question, but the nurse should still advise on the safety and proper use of Tums.

A 38-Year-Old Woman Asks the Nurse, "Can I Just Use