A client is admitted to the nursing unit with a diagnosis of gastric ulcer. Which assessment finding by the nurse supports the client's diagnosis of gastric ulcer?
Elevated serum potassium levels
Increased white blood cell count
Mid epigastric pain that worsens with eating
Epigastric pain that worsens with eating
The Correct Answer is D
A. Elevated serum potassium levels are not a specific finding related to gastric ulcers. They may be seen with other conditions such as kidney dysfunction or the use of certain medications (e.g., diuretics).
B. An increased white blood cell count is often associated with infection or inflammation but is not specific to gastric ulcers.
C. Mid epigastric pain that worsens with eating is more characteristic of duodenal ulcers, not gastric ulcers.
D. Epigastric pain that worsens with eating is a hallmark symptom of a gastric ulcer. This pain is typically aggravated by food intake due to the increased acid production in the stomach during digestion.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Epigastric discomfort is a common symptom of peptic ulcer disease, but it is not the priority finding. This symptom is usually manageable with appropriate treatment, such as antacids or proton pump inhibitors.
B. Hematemesis (vomiting blood) is a critical finding and indicates active bleeding, which can be life-threatening. This requires immediate attention as it suggests a potential complication, such as ulcer perforation or severe gastric bleeding, that can lead to hypovolemic shock. It is the priority finding because it indicates the need for urgent medical intervention.
C. Constipation is not a priority concern in a patient with peptic ulcer disease unless it is severe and related to medication (such as opioids). While it may be uncomfortable, it does not pose the immediate risk that hematemesis does.
D. Dyspepsia, or indigestion, is another common symptom of peptic ulcer disease. While it can be bothersome, it does not represent an acute, life-threatening issue like hematemesis does.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A decrease in the white blood cell count toward normal levels indicates that the infection is responding to antibiotic treatment. A WBC count of 6000/μL is within the normal range for adults (usually 4,000–11,000/μL), which suggests that the body is no longer fighting a significant infection.
B. Bronchial breath sounds heard at the right base indicate consolidation, a sign of ongoing pneumonia or unresolved infection. This would suggest that the infection is not yet controlled, rather than an improvement.
C. Increased tactile fremitus indicates consolidation, which is commonly seen in pneumonia. It suggests that the infection is still present and has not resolved with treatment.
D. Green mucus can indicate the presence of purulent sputum and ongoing infection. Although the color of the mucus may change during the course of pneumonia, the presence of green mucus does not confirm that the infection is resolving, especially after three days of antibiotics.
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