A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for sucralfate to treat a gastric ulcer. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
Explanation & Rationale
A. "I will take this medication as needed to reduce pain": Sucralfate is not taken on an as-needed basis for pain relief. It is used to form a protective barrier over gastric ulcers and should be taken regularly as prescribed, not just for pain. B. "I will reduce my fluid intake with this medication": There is no need to reduce fluid intake when taking sucralfate. Adequate hydration is important, and sucralfate should be taken with water to help ensure its effectiveness in coating the ulcer. C. "I will take this medication 1 hour before meals and at bedtime": Sucralfate should be taken on an empty stomach, typically 1 hour before meals and at bedtime, to maximize its effectiveness in coating the ulcer and protecting it from stomach acid. D. "I will take this medication with an antacid": Antacids should not be taken within 30 minutes of sucralfate. Antacids can interfere with sucralfate’s ability to form a protective barrier, reducing its effectiveness. Sucralfate should be taken separately from antacids.