Assignment task: Based on the following information, what are 3 possible reasons why the patient is requiring such high doses of the anti-GERD medication? Please provide references used to obtain information.
The patient is a 55-year-old male.
Ht: 6 ft.
Wt: 235 lbs.
Medical history: mild hypercholesterolemia (on Zocor), hypertension (on Toprol). Both are under control with the medications.
New Diagnosis: GERD
Referral notes: The patient has been on a common proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) for the management of GERD for many years. The doctor prescribed an increased dosage of the medication and expects that the patient will need to be on this medication for continued long-term management of GERD. The patient is complaining of tiredness, recent depression, and some odd numb/tingling in his toes. He also thinks that he has gotten sick a lot more since his PPI (proton-pump inhibitor) medication dosage has been increased.