Question

A patient is taking omeprazole (Prilosec) for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The nurse will include which statement in the teaching plan about this medication?

a."Take this medication once a day after breakfast."

b."You will be on this medication for only 2 weeks for treatment of the reflux disease."

c."The medication may be dissolved in a liquid for better absorption."

d."The entire capsule must be taken whole, not crushed, chewed, or opened."

Answer 1

Option C, "the medication may be dissolved in a liquid for better absorption."

Step-by-step explanation:

Omeprazole is an antiulcer medication indicated also indicated for GERD. Doses are to be administered before meals, preferably in the morning, so the nurse should not include option A in the teaching.

These doses are prescribed for 2 weeks when indicated for duodenal ulcers associated w/ H. pylori. For GERD, these dose are often not on a course because reflux disease is a chronic GI disease, so the nurse should not include option B in the teaching.

If the capsule of the medication is opened, it should be sprinkled onto and dissolved into cool applesauce or, if a powder for oral suspension, stirred in water for better absorption of omeprazole despite the acidic gastric environment. Option C should be included in the patient teaching.

Lastly, it is advised that the patient swallow the capsule whole, instead of chewing or crushing it. However, as mentioned above, the capsule can be opened, eliminating option D.