A client says, “I take baking soda in water when I get heartburn.” The nurse suggests an antacid containing aluminum and magnesium hydroxide instead of baking soda. What is the advantage these antacids have over baking soda?
1. They contain little, if any, sodium.
2. Absorption by the stomach mucosa is markedly enhanced.
3. There is no direct effect on the systemic acid-base balance when taken as directed.
4. Few side effects such as diarrhea or constipation are experienced when they are used properly
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is A) They contain little, if any, sodium.
Explanation:
When a client experiences heartburn, it is often due to acid reflux, which occurs when stomach acid moves up into the esophagus. To relieve this discomfort, antacids are commonly used to neutralize stomach acid. There are various types of antacids available, each with different components that provide relief in distinct ways. The question compares baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) with an antacid containing aluminum and magnesium hydroxides.
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is an effective short-term remedy for heartburn because it neutralizes stomach acid quickly. However, it has notable disadvantages:
- High Sodium Content: Sodium bicarbonate contains a significant amount of sodium, which can be problematic for individuals with high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney issues. Regular use of sodium bicarbonate could increase sodium levels in the body, leading to fluid retention, increased blood pressure, or even more serious complications.
- Aluminum and Magnesium Hydroxides: Antacids that contain aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide have a distinct advantage over baking soda, as they contain little or no sodium. This makes them safer for people who need to monitor their sodium intake, as they don’t contribute to sodium buildup in the body.
Answer Option Breakdown:
- Option A (Correct): “They contain little, if any, sodium.” This is the key advantage. These antacids do not introduce extra sodium into the body, which makes them safer for long-term use compared to baking soda.
- Option B: “Absorption by the stomach mucosa is markedly enhanced” is not a primary function of aluminum and magnesium hydroxides in antacids. Their role is to neutralize acid, not to increase absorption in the stomach.
- Option C: “There is no direct effect on the systemic acid-base balance when taken as directed” is incorrect. While the risk of systemic acid-base disturbances is lower with aluminum and magnesium hydroxides than with baking soda, they still have some effect on the acid-base balance, especially if overused.
- Option D: “Few side effects such as diarrhea or constipation are experienced when they are used properly” is misleading because aluminum and magnesium hydroxide antacids can cause side effects like diarrhea (due to magnesium) or constipation (due to aluminum), though these are typically mild and depend on the dose.
In summary, option A is the correct answer because aluminum and magnesium hydroxide-based antacids provide heartburn relief without adding harmful sodium to the body, making them a safer choice for many clients.