A 36-year-old patient with suspected gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding undergoes a diagnostic endoscopy which determines the site of bleeding is a duodenal ulcer. The nurse explains to the patient that bleeding ulcers are commonly related to which of the following:
Chronic alcohol consumption
High intake of spicy foods
Inadequate fiber intake
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
The Correct Answer is D
A. Chronic alcohol consumption can contribute to ulcers but is not the primary cause of duodenal ulcers. It can increase stomach acid and irritate the mucosal lining.
B. High intake of spicy foods is often blamed for ulcers, but it is not a direct cause. Spicy foods may exacerbate symptoms but do not cause ulcers.
C. Inadequate fiber intake is not a significant factor in the development of duodenal ulcers. Diet can influence overall digestive health but is not the main cause.
D. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin and ibuprofen, are a leading cause of duodenal ulcers. They inhibit prostaglandin production, which protects the mucosal lining of the stomach and duodenum, leading to ulcer formation and increased risk of bleeding.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. It is appropriate to notify the physician if bright red blood is found in the NG tube, as this could indicate bleeding, which requires prompt medical attention.
B. It is standard practice to keep the NG tube taped and secured to the patient’s nares to prevent dislodgement and ensure proper function.
C. A temperature under 100.5°F is generally not a cause for concern postoperatively, unless it is persistent or accompanied by other signs of infection. Typically, a low-grade fever is expected after surgery, but further investigation is only warranted for higher fevers or other concerning symptoms.
D. Irrigating the NG tube every 6 hours with 30 mL of normal saline is standard practice to ensure patency of the tube and prevent clogging.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis) may cause symptoms like heartburn or dysphagia, but it would not explain the sudden, sharp pain or rigid abdomen seen with a perforated ulcer.
B. An intestinal obstruction can cause abdominal pain and distension, but the rigid, board-like abdomen is more characteristic of peritonitis from a perforated ulcer, not an obstruction.
C. Additional ulcers could cause pain and bleeding, but they would not explain the sudden, sharp pain and rigid abdomen that typically result from perforation.
D. The sudden onset of sharp, severe pain in the mid epigastric area, along with a rigid, board-like abdomen, are hallmark signs of a perforated ulcer, which causes peritonitis. This is a medical emergency, as the perforation allows gastric contents to leak into the peritoneal cavity, leading to widespread infection.
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