Antacids

Question 1

What kind of compound are Antacids?

Answer 1

Alkaline compounds

Question 2

What is the therapeutic effect for Antacids? (4)

Answer 2

1. Decrease stomach acidity
2. Increase stomach pH
3. Decrease pepsin levels
4. Decrease prostaglandin formation (can damage stomach lining)

Question 3

What are Antacids used to treat? (5)

Answer 3

1. Dyspepsia (heart burn)
2. Gastrointestinal reflux disease
3. Peptic ulcer disease
4. Stress ulcers (burns/head injury)
5. Hyperphosphatemia (to decrease phosphate levels)
   * Antacids relieve symptoms; does not promote healing*

Question 4

What are the different types of Antacids?

Answer 4

• Calcium Carboniate
• Sodium Bicarbonate
• Magnesium Hydroxide
• Aluminum hydroxide

Question 5

Contraindications for calcium antacids

Answer 5

• Kidney stones
• Renal disease
• parathyroid disease

Question 6

Contraindications for sodium antacids

Answer 6

• hypertension
• heart failure
• kidney disease

Question 7

Contraindications for magnesium antacids

Answer 7

Kidney Disease

Question 8

Contraindications for aluminum antacids

Answer 8

Bone disease
* there is an increased risk for Osteomalacia (softening of the bone) due to the inhibition of calcium and disruption to cell growth and activity*

Question 9

What are normal calcium levels?

Answer 9

8.6-10.2 mg/dL

Question 10

What are normal Sodium levels?

Answer 10

136-145 mEq/dl

Question 11

What are normal Magnesium levels?

Answer 11

1.6-2.6 mEq/L

Question 12

Adverse effects for Calcium antacids?

Answer 12

• Acids rebound*
• N/V
• Constipation

*when the body makes too much acid after the discontinuation of an antacid which can lead to GERD

Question 13

What should the nurse assess when antacids are administered?

Answer 13

Bowel function
Renal function (Bun/Creatinine)
Abdominal pain
Fluid balance

Question 14

When should antacids be administered?

Answer 14

After meals