A client arrives at the emergency room with symptoms of peptic ulcer disease. Which of these symptoms should the nurse identify as the priority?

Hematemesis

Abdominal bloating

Epigastric discomfort

Dyspepsia

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: Hematemesis Hematemesis, or vomiting blood, is a serious symptom that usually indicates bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract. This could be due to a severe peptic ulcer, among other conditions1. The blood may appear red or black, and the condition can cause a person to go into hypovolemic shock, which can lead to organ failure and death if not treated immediately. Therefore, hematemesis should be identified as the priority symptom in this case. While all these symptoms can be associated with peptic ulcer disease, hematemesis is the most serious and should be prioritized due to the risk of significant blood loss and potential for hypovolemic shock.

Choice B reason: Abdominal bloating Abdominal bloating is a symptom that can be caused by various conditions, including indigestion, overeating, and certain medical conditions. While it can be uncomfortable, it is generally not as immediately life-threatening as hematemesis.

Choice C reason: Epigastric discomfort Epigastric discomfort refers to pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, below the ribs. It can be caused by conditions such as acid reflux, GERD, overeating, lactose intolerance, and others. While it can be a symptom of a peptic ulcer, it is not typically as urgent as hematemesis.

Choice D reason: Dyspepsia Dyspepsia, also known as indigestion, can cause symptoms such as bloating, heartburn, and feeling full too quickly8910. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including certain foods, overeating, and medical conditions like GERD. While it can be a symptom of a peptic ulcer, it is generally not as immediately life-threatening as hematemesis.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:

A headache is not typically an indication of an allergy to nitroglycerin. Allergic reactions are more likely to present with symptoms such as rash, itching, or difficulty breathing.

Choice B reason:Headaches are a well-known side effect of nitroglycerin, due to its vasodilating effects, which can cause dilation of cerebral arteries.

Choice C reason:While anxiety can cause headaches, in this context, where the client has taken nitroglycerin, it is more likely that the headache is a side effect of the medication rather than anxiety.

Choice D reason:Tolerance to medication would reduce the effectiveness of the drug, not typically cause a headache. The headache is a common side effect, not an indication of tolerance.

A. Beta-blocking agent B. Diuretic C. Opioid analgesic D. Lactulose E. Sedative

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]

Explanation

Title: Choice A reason: Beta-blocking agent Beta-blocking agents are often used in the management of cirrhosis of the liver. They are particularly useful in managing portal hypertension, a common complication of cirrhosis. Beta-blockers lower elevated portal pressure and protect against variceal hemorrhage, a serious complication of portal hypertension. Therefore, a beta-blocking agent may be ordered for a client with cirrhosis of the liver.

Title: Choice B reason: Diuretic Diuretics are commonly used in the management of fluid retention, a frequent complication in patients with cirrhosis. Fluid retention can lead to conditions such as ascites (abdominal fluid accumulation) and edema (swelling in the legs, feet, or ankles)2. Diuretics help to remove excess fluid from the body, thereby managing these symptoms. Therefore, a diuretic may be ordered for a client with cirrhosis of the liver.

Title: Choice C reason: Opioid analgesic While opioid analgesics are powerful pain relievers, they should be used with caution in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. Opioids can precipitate hepatic encephalopathy, a condition characterized by altered mental status and neuromuscular dysfunction, which is a serious complication of cirrhosis. Therefore, an opioid analgesic may not be the best choice for a client with cirrhosis of the liver.

Title: Choice D reason: Lactulose Lactulose is a non-absorbable sugar that is widely used in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy, a common complication in patients with cirrhosis. It works by reducing the absorption of ammonia in the gut, thereby lowering blood ammonia levels and improving symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy. Therefore, lactulose may be ordered for a client with cirrhosis of the liver.

Title: Choice E reason: Sedative Sedatives should be used with caution in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. Like opioids, they can precipitate hepatic encephalopathy. Therefore, a sedative may not be the best choice for a client with cirrhosis of the liver.

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A client arrives at the emergency room with symptoms of peptic ulcer disease. Which of these symptoms should the nurse identify as the priority?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who took three nitroglycerin tablets sublingually for chest pain. The client reports relief from the chest pain but now is experiencing a headache. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has cirrhosis of the liver. Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate may be ordered for this client? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has valvular heart disease and is at risk for developing left-sided heart failure. Which of the following manifestations should alert the nurse that the client is developing this condition?

A nurse is caring for a client who has acute respiratory failure (ARF). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following manifestations of this condition? (Select all that apply).

The nurse would be most concerned about a prescription for a lipid emulsion for a client with which condition?

A nurse is assessing a client who has an obstruction of the common bile duct resulting from chronic cholecystitis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

The nurse is caring for a client with cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Which statement by the client is cause for the greatest concern?

A client is admitted to the medical unit with acute pancreatitis. While planning care for this client, the nurse will include which of the following interventions? (Select all that apply).

The healthcare provider prescribes lactulose for a patient with hepatic encephalopathy. What will the nurse assess to determine the effectiveness of this medication?

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving continuous enteral nutrition and develops refeeding syndrome. The nurse should expect which of the following laboratory findings?