Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

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If a patient has acid reflux and is in pain, what analgesic should be recommended?

Acetaminophen
Ibuprofen
Codeine
Aspirin

The correct answer is: Acetaminophen

In the context of a patient experiencing acid reflux and pain, acetaminophen is the most appropriate analgesic to recommend. This is primarily due to its gastrointestinal tolerability. Unlike anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin, which can exacerbate acid reflux symptoms by irritating the gastric lining or increasing gastric acidity, acetaminophen does not have these adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Acetaminophen is effective in managing mild to moderate pain while posing a lower risk for further complications related to gastric irritation. Therefore, it is a safer choice for individuals with acid reflux conditions. Other analgesics, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, possess anti-inflammatory properties that can be beneficial in certain contexts but may increase discomfort for a patient with acid reflux due to their potential to cause gastric irritation. Codeine, while it can provide effective pain relief, also poses risks of gastrointestinal side effects, including constipation, which could further aggravate the patient's discomfort. Overall, acetaminophen stands out as the safest and most appropriate choice when caring for a patient with acid reflux who is in pain.