Question

Katie G. is a 29 year old culinary arts student who comes to the clinic for a routine prophylaxis. She notes on her medical history that she suffers from "heartburn" almost every evening. Her chief complaint is stain on her anterior teeth, which she blames on her two packs per day cigarette habit and from sinking black coffee all day. Her blood pressure is 138/96, pulse is 90, and respirations are 15 per minute. During the intraoral examination, the hygiene student notes severe erosion on the mandibular molars, and her throat and soft palate are redder than normal. Katie's medication history includes over the counter antacids taken to relieve her symptoms, oral contraceptive, and ibuprofen almost every day for headaches.

Which medications would be indicated to treat Katie's GERD?
A. Histamine2-receptor antagonists
B. Proton pump inhibitors
C. Antacids
D. Metoclopramide
E. Laxatives
F. All of the above
G. A, B, and C
H. A, C, and D

Answer 1

The appropriate medications to treat Katie's GERD would be proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and antacids.

Step-by-step explanation:

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a condition characterized by the backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus. Treatment for GERD typically involves medications that reduce the production of stomach acid or neutralize existing acid in the stomach to relieve symptoms and prevent further damage. In Katie's case, the appropriate medications to treat her GERD would be proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and antacids. PPIs, such as omeprazole (Prilosec), work by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach. They are often prescribed for more severe cases of GERD. Antacids, like calcium carbonate (found in Tums), are substances that neutralize excess stomach acid. They provide quick relief from heartburn symptoms but are not as effective at reducing acid production as PPIs.