A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has GERD and a prescription for pantoprazole. Which of the following statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?
Explanation & Rationale
A. "I can take antacids at the same time as this medication.": This is incorrect. Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), and taking antacids at the same time can interfere with the medication's effectiveness. It is generally recommended to space out antacids and PPIs by at least 1 hour. B. "I have to take this medication on an empty stomach.": This is correct. Pantoprazole should be taken on an empty stomach, typically 30 minutes before breakfast, to optimize absorption and effectiveness. C. "I should expect to have diarrhea while taking this medication.": Diarrhea is not a common side effect of pantoprazole. While side effects such as headache, nausea, and abdominal pain are more common, diarrhea is not typically expected. D. "I will need to remain upright for 1 hour after taking the medication.": This is incorrect. While it is generally advised to remain upright for a period after taking medications like bisphosphonates, it is not required for pantoprazole. The main instruction for pantoprazole is to take it on an empty stomach before eating.