The nurse is providing an in-service on mucosal protectants. What medication protects the ulcer from further injury from acid and pepsin and is a viscous substance that can stick to the ulcer for up to 6 hours?

A. Loperamide (Imodium): This is an anti-diarrheal medication and does not protect mucosal ulcers. B. Cimetidine (Tagamet HB): Cimetidine is an H2 blocker used to reduce stomach acid, but it does not form a protective barrier like sucralfate. C. Docusate sodium (Colace): This is a stool softener and is not used for protecting gastric ulcers. D. Sucralfate (Carafate): Sucralfate is a mucosal protectant that binds to the ulcer and creates a protective barrier, preventing further injury from stomach acid and pepsin.