A 72-year-old patient was admitted with epigastric pain caused by a peptic ulcer. Which patient assessment warrants an urgent change in the nursing plan of care?

Chest pain relieved with eating or drinking water

Burning epigastric pain 90 minutes after breakfast

Back pain three or four hours after eating a meal

Rigid abdomen and vomiting following indigestion

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale
Chest pain that is relieved with eating or drinking water is not typically indicative of a complication from a peptic ulcer. This symptom may be related to conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Choice B rationale
Burning epigastric pain after eating is a common symptom of a peptic ulcer and, while uncomfortable, does not usually require an urgent change in the plan of care unless it significantly worsens or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

Choice C rationale
Back pain after eating can be associated with a peptic ulcer if the ulcer is located at the back of the stomach or the pain radiates; however, it does not typically warrant an urgent change in care without other symptoms.

Choice D rationale
A rigid abdomen and vomiting following indigestion can indicate a perforated ulcer, which is a medical emergency. This requires immediate intervention and possibly surgical consultation, thus warranting an urgent change in the nursing plan of care.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Liver cirrhosis is the most common cause of esophageal varices and portal hypertension. Cirrhosis leads to scarring of the liver, which impedes blood flow through the portal vein, causing increased pressure (portal hypertension) and the development of collateral blood vessels (varices) as the body attempts to bypass the blockage.

Choice B rationale
Throat lacerations are not related to the development of esophageal varices or portal hypertension. They are typically acute injuries and do not cause the chronic changes seen in the vasculature associated with these conditions.

Choice C rationale
Kyphosis, a curvature of the spine, does not cause esophageal varices or portal hypertension. It is a structural skeletal condition and does not affect the vasculature of the esophagus or the portal venous system.

Choice D rationale
While squamous cell cancer can occur in the esophagus, it is not a typical cause of portal hypertension or esophageal varices. These varices are usually a result of increased pressure in the portal vein, not directly from a malignancy.

A. Monitor fluid and electrolytes. B. Provide a high-sodium diet. C. Anticipate paracentesis. D. Encourage high-fluid intake. E. Administer an albumin infusion.

Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Monitoring fluid and electrolytes is essential in managing ascites to prevent complications such as fluid overload or electrolyte imbalances, which can exacerbate the condition.

Choice B rationale
Providing a high-sodium diet is not recommended for patients with ascites. Sodium restriction is typically advised to help manage fluid retention.

Choice C rationale
Anticipating paracentesis is appropriate as it is a procedure used to remove excess fluid from the abdominal cavity, providing relief from discomfort and respiratory difficulty.

Choice D rationale
Encouraging high-fluid intake is not recommended for ascites management. Fluid restriction may be necessary to prevent further accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.

Choice E rationale
Administering an albumin infusion can be part of the treatment for ascites, especially following paracentesis, to help maintain blood volume and pressure.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A 72-year-old patient was admitted with epigastric pain caused by a peptic ulcer. Which patient assessment warrants an urgent change in the nursing plan of care?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient is admitted with esophageal varices and portal hypertension. Which underlying cause of these conditions would the nurse suspect?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Which interventions would the nurse expect in the treatment plan for a patient who is admitted to the hospital with ascites? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]

Explanation

How will the nurse assess for flank tenderness in a patient with suspected pyelonephritis?

A 42-year-old patient is newly diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The patient asks, "Can this be cured?" Which of the following treatment goals are appropriate for a patient with IBD? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is teaching a client who has chronic kidney disease about limiting foods that are high in potassium. Which of the following foods should the nurse instruct the client to avoid? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is giving a presentation about preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which of the following should the nurse include as risk factors for this disorder? (Select all that apply.)

In an effort to decrease the rate of urinary tract infections, which of the following should the nurse manager teach the nursing staff? (Select all that apply)

After assessing a patient with ulcerative colitis (UC), the nurse concludes that the patient has moderate disease. Which patient symptoms support the nurse's conclusion? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is planning care for a client who has atrial fibrillation and reports heart palpitations, lightheadedness, and shortness of breath. Which of the following procedures should the nurse anticipate for this client?