**Core Concept**
The management of a patient with suspected peptic ulcer disease (PUD) in the emergency department (ED) involves a careful balance between providing symptomatic relief, preventing complications, and identifying the underlying cause of the ulcer. The initial approach should focus on stabilizing the patient and minimizing the risk of further complications.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The most appropriate course of action in the ED is to administer proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce gastric acid secretion and promote ulcer healing. PPIs, such as omeprazole or lansoprazole, are effective in rapidly reducing acid output and providing symptomatic relief. Additionally, administering a PPI allows for the performance of an upper endoscopy within 24 hours to evaluate the ulcer and rule out complications, such as bleeding or perforation.

**Option A:** Administering antacids or histamine-2 (H2) receptor antagonists would be less effective in reducing acid output and promoting ulcer healing compared to PPIs.
**Option B:** Ordering a CT scan or other imaging studies without first administering a PPI may lead to a false-negative result, as the ulcer may not be visible on imaging until after acid suppression has been achieved.
**Option C:** Initiating empiric antibiotic therapy without evidence of infection or bleeding would be premature and may lead to unnecessary antibiotic exposure.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In patients with suspected PUD, administering a PPI before endoscopy has been shown to improve visualization of the ulcer and reduce the risk of bleeding during the procedure.

**Correct Answer:** C. Administering a proton pump inhibitor to reduce gastric acid secretion and promote ulcer healing.