Question

a client is prescribed aluminum hydroxide for peptic ulcer disease. which statement by the client demonstrates an understanding of the action of the medication?
a it slows down the gastric motor activity
b it helps maintain a gastric ph of 3.5 or above
c it produces an adherent barrier over the ulcer
d it decreases the production of gastric secretions.

Explanation:

Aluminum hydroxide is an antacid. Its action is to neutralize gastric acid, helping to maintain a gastric pH of 3.5 or above (which reduces acid's corrosive effect on the ulcer). Option A: Slowing gastric motor activity is not its main action (drugs like anticholinergics might do that). Option C: Producing an adherent barrier is done by sucralfate, not aluminum hydroxide. Option D: Decreasing gastric secretions is for drugs like H₂ - blockers or PPIs, not antacids.

Answer:

B. It helps maintain a gastric pH of 3.5 or above