After administering pantoprazole to a client with gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), which statement by the client indicates to the practical nurse (PN) that the medication is producing the desired effect?
A.
“I did not experience any heartburn after eating lunch.”.
B.
“I am able to swallow all the food on my tray without difficulty.”.
C.
“I no longer need to strain to have a bowel movement.”.
D.
“I have a great appetite and am feeling really hungry.”.
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is:
A. “I did not experience any heartburn after eating lunch.”
Explanation:
Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to reduce stomach acid production and is commonly prescribed for managing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, leading to symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, and discomfort after meals. The primary goal of treatment with pantoprazole is to reduce the production of gastric acid, alleviating these symptoms, particularly heartburn.
The statement, “I did not experience any heartburn after eating lunch,” indicates that the medication is effectively reducing acid production, which in turn decreases the backflow of acid into the esophagus and prevents heartburn. This response shows that the primary symptom of GERD, heartburn, is being managed as expected.
Explanation of Other Options:
B. “I am able to swallow all the food on my tray without difficulty.”
Difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, can occur in severe cases of GERD due to esophageal damage, but this is not a direct indicator of pantoprazole’s effectiveness. The medication works primarily to reduce acid, not to address swallowing issues directly.
C. “I no longer need to strain to have a bowel movement.”
This statement refers to relief from constipation, which is unrelated to GERD or pantoprazole’s mechanism of action. Pantoprazole targets stomach acid production, not bowel function.
D. “I have a great appetite and am feeling really hungry.”
Increased appetite is not a typical indicator of pantoprazole’s effectiveness in treating GERD. The medication’s goal is to reduce acid-related symptoms, not to enhance appetite.
Thus, option A is the most appropriate indicator that pantoprazole is working as intended to relieve GERD symptoms.