A client admitted to the emergency department with an acute exacerbation of peptic ulcer disease is vomiting and describing epigastric pain and nausea. After obtaining vital sign measurements, which prescription should the nurse implement first?
Insert a nasogastric tube (NGT) and attach to low intermittent suction.
Give a prescribed analgesic for temperature above 101°F (38.3° C).
Place an indwelling urinary catheter and attach a bedside drainage unit.
Send the client to x-ray for a flat plate of the abdomen.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Inserting a nasogastric tube (NGT) and attaching to low intermittent suction is the priority intervention for a client with peptic ulcer disease who is vomiting and experiencing epigastric pain and nausea. This can help decompress the stomach, remove gastric contents, prevent further bleeding, and relieve the symptoms. The NGT should be inserted carefully and checked for proper placement before suctioning.
Choice B reason: Giving a prescribed analgesic for temperature above 101°F (38.3° C) is not the first intervention for a client with peptic ulcer disease who is vomiting and experiencing epigastric pain and nausea. Temperature elevation can indicate infection or inflammation, which can be treated with antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs. However, analgesics can have adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract, such as irritation, ulceration, or bleeding. Analgesics should be given cautiously and after the cause of the fever is identified.
Choice C reason: Placing an indwelling urinary catheter and attaching a bedside drainage unit is not the first intervention for a client with peptic ulcer disease who is vomiting and experiencing epigastric pain and nausea. Urinary catheterization can help monitor the fluid balance, renal function, and blood loss of the client, but it is not a priority in this situation. Urinary catheterization can also pose risks of infection, trauma, or obstruction, and should be avoided unless necessary.
Choice D reason: Sending the client to x-ray for a flat plate of the abdomen is not the first intervention for a client with peptic ulcer disease who is vomiting and experiencing epigastric pain and nausea. X-ray can help diagnose the location and extent of the ulcer, perforation, or obstruction, but it is not a priority in this situation. X-ray can also expose the client to radiation, which can be harmful, and should be done only after the client is stabilized.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Using a bed cradle to hold the covers off feet is not a good option for a client with DM and right hemiplegia, because it can increase the risk of injury and infection to the feet. The client may have reduced sensation and circulation in the feet due to diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease, which can make the feet more prone to ulcers, gangrene, and amputation. The client should keep the feet covered and protected from pressure and trauma.
Choice B reason: Providing a warming pad (Aqua-pad or K-pad) to feet is the best option for a client with DM and right hemiplegia, because it can help improve the blood flow and comfort to the feet. The warming pad is a device that circulates warm water or air through a pad that is placed on the skin. The nurse should monitor the temperature and duration of the warming pad, and check the skin for signs of burns or blisters.
Choice C reason: Placing warm blankets next to the client’s feet is not a reliable option for a client with DM and right hemiplegia, because it may not provide enough warmth and may slip off during the night. The client may not be able to adjust the blankets due to the hemiplegia, which can affect the movement and strength of the right side of the body. The client may also have difficulty feeling the blankets due to the neuropathy.
Choice D reason: Medicating the client with a prescribed sedative is not a suitable option for a client with DM and right hemiplegia, because it does not address the underlying cause of the cool feet, and may have adverse effects on the client’s condition. The sedative may interact with the client’s other medications, such as insulin or oral hypoglycemics, and cause hypoglycemia, which can worsen the stroke recovery. The sedative may also cause respiratory depression, which can affect the oxygen delivery to the brain and the feet.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Exposure to persons with pneumonia or chickenpox is not a good idea for anyone, but it is not the main factor that can worsen COPD. COPD is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the airways and the lungs, and it is mainly caused by smoking or other environmental irritants. Pneumonia and chickenpox are acute infections that can affect the respiratory system, but they are not the primary cause of COPD exacerbation.
Choice B reason: Excessive physical exertion and respiratory tract infections are the most common triggers that can lead to COPD exacerbation, which is a sudden worsening of symptoms, such as shortness of breath, cough, and mucus production. Physical exertion can increase the oxygen demand and the work of breathing, while respiratory infections can cause inflammation and mucus obstruction in the airways. Therefore, the nurse should advise the client to avoid these factors and to seek medical attention if they occur.
Choice C reason: Overdose of albuterol and alcohol consumption are not recommended for anyone, but they are not the main factors that can aggravate COPD. Albuterol is a bronchodilator that can help relax the muscles around the airways and improve breathing, but it can also cause side effects, such as palpitations, tremors, and anxiety, if taken in excess. Alcohol consumption can impair the immune system and the liver function, but it does not directly affect the lungs or the airways.
Choice D reason: Excessive bedrest and lack of exercise are not beneficial for anyone, but they are not the main factors that can exacerbate COPD. Bedrest can lead to muscle weakness and deconditioning, while lack of exercise can reduce the cardiovascular and respiratory fitness. However, these factors do not cause inflammation or obstruction in the airways, which are the main features of COPD. The nurse should encourage the client to maintain a moderate level of physical activity and to follow a pulmonary rehabilitation program if available.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.