AGNP Board Exam – Gastroenterology Prescription

AGNP Board Exam – Gastroenterology Prescription 1. Question: A 45-year-old woman has been taking oral omeprazole (Prilosec) 40 mg twice daily for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux. To discontinue the medication the nurse practitioner would: advise the patient to stop the medication. reduce the dose by 50% every other day. reduce the dose by 50% weekly. Correct reduce dose by 50% every month. Explanation: For patients on a moderate to high dose of a PPI (e.g., omeprazole (Prilosec) 40 mg daily or twice daily), reduce the dose by 50% every week until the patient is on the lowest dose of the medication. For patients on twice daily dosing, the initial reduction can be accomplished by decreasing the dosing to once in the morning before breakfast. Once the patient has completed a week at the lowest dose, the medication can be discontinued. 2. Question: Patients receiving long-term proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are at increased risk for fractures and: lower extremity edema. extraesophageal symptoms. myocardial infarction. Correct muscle spasms. Explanation: Analysis of patients taking PPIs for long periods of time showed an increased risk of myocardial infarctions. This is thought to be related to reduced nitric oxide in the blood vessel walls. The FDA suggests that providers consider periodically obtaining magnesium levels in patients while they are on a PPI. Increased risk of myocardial infarction has not been associated with histamine receptor blockers. 3. Question: Ondansetron (Zofran) dosage should be adjusted in patients: with renal insufficiency. who are pregnant. who are 65 years old.