The nurse is providing instructions to a patient with a gastric ulcer. The patient is being treated with famotidine, and a bland diet. The nurse should instruct the patient to do which of the following?

Explanation

• Lifestyle factors may help alleviate symptoms during the recovery process for gastric ulcers. Prescribed treatment involves an antisecretory medication and bland diet. In addition, the patient should eat small, frequent meals, which helps reduce symptoms of bloating and pain associated with gastric secretion and ulceration.

• The most common causes of peptic ulcer disease, which includes both gastric and duodenal ulcers, is H Pylori or the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin.

• Aspirin and NSAIDs should be avoided due to possible gastric irritation and erosion.

• Caffeine as well as nicotine increases gastric acid secretion and should be avoided.

• Medication should not be discontinued without first consulting the physician.

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