Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 82%
Simulated
A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is prescribed omeprazole for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: Take the medication 30 min before breakfast. Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that works best when taken before a meal to inhibit acid production. Taking it before breakfast allows for maximum efficacy by aligning with the body's natural acid production rhythms. Choice B is incorrect because taking omeprazole with an antacid can reduce its effectiveness by altering the stomach pH. Choice C is incorrect as crushing the capsule may affect the medication's delayed-release mechanism. Choice D is incorrect because taking omeprazole at bedtime may not coincide with peak acid production times.