An 80-year-old patient asks a primary care NP about OTC antacids ...

[sjones]

An 80-year-old patient asks a primary care NP about OTC antacids for occasional heartburn. The NP notes that the patient has a normal complete blood count and normal electrolytes and a slight elevation in creatinine levels. The NP should recommend:
 
  a. calcium carbonate (Tums).
  b. aluminum hydroxide (Amphojel).
  c. sodium bicarbonate (Alka-Seltzer).
  d. magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia).

Question 2

A parent brings an 8-year-old child to the clinic because the child continues to wet the bed despite using cognitive-behavioral measures and a bed alarm system. The NP should prescribe:
 
  a. solifenacin (VESIcare).
  b. tolterodine (Detrol LA).
  c. desmopressin (DDAVP).
  d. phenazopyridine (Pyridium).

[Sammyo]

Answer to Question 1

A
Elderly patients with renal failure should not take antacids containing magnesium because of the risk of hypermagnesemia. Sodium-containing antacids may cause fluid retention in elderly patients. Aluminum hydroxide is not as effective as calcium carbonate.

Answer to Question 2

C
Desmopressin is used as an antidiuretic and decreases urine output for approximately 6 hours and is often used to treat nocturia in children. Solifenacin and tolterodine are anticholinergics. Phenazopyridine is a urinary tract analgesic.

[sjones]

TYSM

[debra928]

Excellent