A nurse is instructing a client diagnosed with PUD about a new medication, sucralfate (Carafate). ...

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Rationale 1:Sucralfate (Carafate) needs to be taken four times a day.
Rationale 2:The medication works by producing a thick, gel-like substance that coats the ulcer.
Rationale 3:Sucralfate (Carafate) with the coating will protect the ulcer against further erosion and promote healing.
Rationale 4:The medication is not absorbed by the GI tract.
Rationale 5:The medication may cause constipation.

Global Rationale: Sucralfate (Carafate) consists of sucrose (a sugar) plus aluminum hydroxide (an antacid). The drug produces a thick, gel-like substance that coats the ulcer, protecting it against further erosion and promoting healing. Very little of the drug is absorbed from the GI tract. Other than constipation, adverse effects are minimal. A major disadvantage of sucralfate is that it must be taken four times a day.