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.

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 C

Explanation

Title: Choice A reason: Liver enzymes Liver enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions in your body. They include alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). High levels of liver enzymes in the blood can indicate liver disease. However, rheumatic endocarditis is a heart condition, not a liver condition. Therefore, while liver enzymes are important for diagnosing liver conditions, they would not assist in confirming a diagnosis of rheumatic endocarditis.

Title: Choice B reason: Serum albumin Serum albumin is a type of protein that your liver and kidneys produce to help your body maintain fluid balance and function. Low or high albumin levels can indicate liver disease, kidney disease, or nutritional deficiency. However, rheumatic endocarditis is a heart condition, not a liver or kidney condition. Therefore, while serum albumin is important for diagnosing liver and kidney conditions, it would not assist in confirming a diagnosis of rheumatic endocarditis.

Title: Choice C reason: Throat culture A throat culture is a lab test used to find and identify germs in the back of your mouth that are making you sick. It can diagnose infections like strep throat, gonorrhea, thrush, diphtheria, and pertussis. Rheumatic endocarditis is often caused by a streptococcal infection, which can be identified through a throat culture. Therefore, a throat culture would assist in confirming a diagnosis of rheumatic endocarditis.

Title: Choice D reason: Arterial blood gases An arterial blood gas (ABG) test measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood as well as the pH balance in your blood. It helps diagnose and monitor conditions that affect your respiratory, circulatory, and metabolic systems. However, rheumatic endocarditis is a heart condition that is often caused by a bacterial infection. Therefore, while an ABG test is important for diagnosing conditions that affect your respiratory, circulatory, and metabolic systems, it would not assist in confirming a diagnosis of rheumatic endocarditis.

A. "I was an intravenous drug abuser in the past and shared needles." B. "I ate shellfish about 2 weeks ago at a local restaurant." C. "I had a blood transfusion 30 years ago after major abdominal surgery." D. "I have had unprotected sex with multiple partners."

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:While sharing needles can transmit hepatitis, it is more commonly associated with hepatitis B and C, not hepatitis A.

Choice B reason:Eating shellfish from contaminated water is a well-known route of transmission for hepatitis A, aligning with the client's symptoms.

Choice C reason:Blood transfusions were a risk for hepatitis transmission in the past, but since the 1990s, blood products are screened for hepatitis, making this an unlikely source.

Choice D reason:Unprotected sex can be a route of transmission for hepatitis, but hepatitis A is more commonly spread through ingestion of contaminated food or water, not sexual contact.

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 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 client is admitted to the hospital with suspected rheumatic endocarditis. Which of the following laboratory tests would assist in confirming the diagnosis?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The healthcare provider has determined that a client has contracted hepatitis A based on flu-like symptoms and jaundice. Which statement made by the client supports this medical diagnosis?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas (ABG) values of a client who has chronic kidney disease. Which of the following sets of values should the nurse expect?

A nurse is reviewing a client's laboratory report of arterial blood gas (ABG) findings: pH 7.28, HCO3 18, and PaCO2 36. Which of the following conditions should the nurse anticipate when interpreting these findings?

A nurse is reviewing the BUN and creatinine levels of an older adult client who has chronic kidney disease (CKD). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A nurse is caring for a client who has a chest tube in place connected to a closed chest drainage system. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client's lung has re-expanded?

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

The nurse is caring for a client with advanced cirrhosis. Which of the following clinical manifestations should the nurse recognize as a serious complication of this condition?

A client is admitted to the emergency room with renal calculi. Upon assessment, which of the following findings should the nurse expect?