w6d1_ NSG6005.docx - Running head PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE 1...

Running head: PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE 1
Mike is a 46-year-old who presents with a complaint of "heartburn" for 3 months. He
describes the pain as burning and it is located in the epigastric area. The pain improves
after he takes an antacid or drinks milk. He has been taking either over-the-counter
(OTC) famotidine or ranitidine off and on for the past 2 months and he still has recurring
epigastric pain. He has lost 6 lb since his last visit.
Assessment His examination is unremarkable. His blood pressure (BP) is 118/72.
Laboratory values are normal complete blood count (CBC) and a positive serum
Helicobacter pylori test.
◦ What would you prescribe initially?
◦ How long would you prescribe these medications?
◦ What other possible meds could you prescribe to assist with the side effects from the
medications prescribed?
◦ How would the treatment vary if the patient has GERD instead?
What would you prescribe initially?
This case study shows that the patient has discomfort due to increased acid
production in the stomach. According to Oppong et al. (2015), a positive test of H. pylori is an
indication that someone has gastric ulcers. Thus, the goals of management are to eradicate H.
pylori and to reduce gastric acid production with the aim of improving the outcomes of the
patient (Woo, 2015). The patient is taking famotidine or ranitidine which is a Histamine 2
receptor antagonist, which according to Woo & Robinson (2015) there’s no treatment protocol