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
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
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","F"]
Explanation
Choice A: Administer antiemetics as needed Reason: Acute pancreatitis often causes severe nausea and vomiting. Antiemetics are administered to control these symptoms and prevent further complications such as dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
Choice B: Administer analgesics as needed Reason: Pain management is a crucial part of the treatment for acute pancreatitis. The condition can cause severe abdominal pain, and analgesics are administered to provide relief.
Choice C: NPO (nothing by mouth) until pain-free Reason: The goal in treating acute pancreatitis is to allow the pancreas to rest and recover from the inflammation3. Keeping the patient NPO (nothing by mouth) helps achieve this by reducing the stimulation and workload of the pancreas.
Choice D: Monitor blood glucose and provide insulin as needed Reason: Acute pancreatitis can affect the pancreas’ ability to produce insulin, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. Therefore, monitoring blood glucose levels and administering insulin as needed is an important part of the management plan.
Choice E: Side-lying or fetal position Reason: While the side-lying or fetal position might help some patients with abdominal pain, it is not a standard intervention for acute pancreatitis. Therefore, this option is not correct.
Choice F: Monitor hydration status Reason: Patients with acute pancreatitis are at risk of dehydration due to symptoms like vomiting and decreased oral intake. Monitoring hydration status is crucial to ensure appropriate fluid replacement.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:Lactulose is used in hepatic encephalopathy primarily to lower blood ammonia levels. It works by converting ammonia in the intestines into ammonium, which is then excreted³. Therefore, a decrease in ammonia levels would indicate the effectiveness of the medication.
Choice B reason:While lactulose can relieve constipation due to its laxative effect, relief of constipation is not the primary indicator of its effectiveness in treating hepatic encephalopathy³.
Choice C reason:Decreased liver enzymes are not a direct measure of lactulose's effectiveness in hepatic encephalopathy. Liver enzymes are indicators of liver function, not ammonia levels³.
Choice D reason:Relief of abdominal pain is not a specific indicator of lactulose's effectiveness in hepatic encephalopathy. The medication's primary role is to reduce ammonia levels, not to alleviate pain³.
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