A male patient is admitted to the hospital with complaints of epigastric pain, which he describes as burning and gnawing. The pain occurs 2-3 hours after eating and is somewhat relieved by food or antacids. He has a history of smoking and occasional alcohol use. Upon assessment, the patient exhibits tenderness in the epigastric region, and his vital signs are stable. The patient is diagnosed with a peptic ulcer disease (PUD). Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing intervention for this patient?
Administer a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) as prescribed to decrease gastric acid production
Provide a diet high in fiber and low in fat to promote gastrointestinal health.
Encourage the patient to eat small, frequent meals to prevent the secretion of gastric acid.
Instruct the patient to increase the intake of dairy products to help neutralize stomach acid.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Administer a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) as prescribed to decrease gastric acid production: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a cornerstone of therapy for peptic ulcer disease as they effectively reduce gastric acid production, which helps the ulcer heal and relieves symptoms.
B. Provide a diet high in fiber and low in fat to promote gastrointestinal health: A high-fiber diet is not specifically indicated for PUD. While diet modifications may help, managing gastric acid production and avoiding irritants is more critical.
C. Encourage the patient to eat small, frequent meals to prevent the secretion of gastric acid: Although small, frequent meals may help some patients, they are not as effective in managing PUD compared to PPIs. Additionally, frequent eating can stimulate gastric acid production in some cases.
D. Instruct the patient to increase the intake of dairy products to help neutralize stomach acid:
Dairy products can initially neutralize stomach acid, but they can also stimulate further acid production, which may worsen symptoms in the long term. This is not recommended for managing PUD.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]
Explanation
A. "I will try not to gain weight." Weight gain can increase pressure on the diaphragm and abdomen, worsening symptoms of hiatal hernia. Maintaining a healthy weight helps reduce this pressure.
B. “I will sleep with the head of my bed elevated." Elevating the head of the bed helps prevent stomach acid from refluxing into the esophagus while lying down, a common issue in both hiatal hernia and GERD.
C. "I will drink less fluid": Reducing fluid intake is not a recommended strategy for managing hiatal hernia symptoms. Fluid is essential for digestion and overall health.
D. "I will lie down for one half hour after meals": Lying down after meals can worsen reflux symptoms because gravity is no longer helping keep stomach contents in place. Patients should remain upright after eating.
E. "I will consume less caffeine and spicy foods." Caffeine and spicy foods can increase acid production and irritate the esophagus, worsening symptoms of hiatal hernia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Encouraging the patient to drink ginger tea for nausea: While ginger tea may help with nausea in some cases, it is not an appropriate intervention for acute cholecystitis, which requires more aggressive management.
B. Applying ice packs to the abdomen: Ice packs are not a standard treatment for acute cholecystitis and would not effectively alleviate the patient’s pain or inflammation.
C. Administering prescribed intravenous analgesics: The most appropriate intervention is to administer prescribed intravenous analgesics to relieve pain in patients with acute cholecystitis. Pain management is a priority to alleviate discomfort while awaiting further treatment, such as surgery or antibiotics.
D. Advising the patient to eat small, frequent meals: Dietary changes like eating small, frequent meals may be advised after the acute phase to prevent future attacks, but they are not appropriate for addressing acute symptoms.
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.
