A patient has presented to the ER with signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding and a history of peptic ulcers. From the categories below, which drug should the nurse expect the doctor to order?

A. Osmotic laxative: Osmotic laxatives are used to relieve constipation by drawing water into the intestines. They have no role in treating gastrointestinal bleeding or peptic ulcers and would not address the underlying cause of the patient’s symptoms. B. Proton pump inhibitor: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) reduce gastric acid secretion, promoting healing of peptic ulcers and preventing further irritation or bleeding. PPIs are first-line therapy for patients presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding related to ulcer disease. C. Antihistamine/Anticholinergic: Antihistamines or anticholinergics are sometimes used to reduce gastric acid secretion but are far less effective than PPIs for ulcer healing or stopping active bleeding. They do not provide sufficient acid suppression in acute GI bleed scenarios. D. Serotonin 5-HT3 antagonist: Serotonin 5-HT3 antagonists (e.g., ondansetron) are antiemetics used to control nausea and vomiting. They do not treat ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding and would not address the patient’s primary clinical concern.