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 D
Explanation
A. The patients have lowered their cholesterol levels from previous laboratory results: Lower cholesterol levels are a positive health outcome but could result from factors other than weight loss, such as medication or diet changes. It is a good sign but not the most direct measure of the intervention's success.
B. The patients have improved blood pressure readings to be within expected reference range: Blood pressure improvements are important and can result from weight loss, but other factors like medications could influence this outcome.
C. The patients are choosing healthier food options for their diet plans: While choosing healthier food options is a positive behavior change, it is a process measure rather than an outcome. It does not necessarily indicate the interventions are working as effectively as a decrease in BMI.
D. There is a significant decrease in the patients' BMI measurements. A significant reduction in BMI is the most direct indicator of effective weight-loss interventions. A decrease in BMI reflects a measurable outcome that directly relates to weight loss.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Intestinal obstruction: While peritonitis can lead to intestinal obstruction, it is not the most immediate life-threatening complication compared to hypovolemic shock or sepsis.
B. Hypovolemic shock: This is a critical condition that can occur due to severe fluid loss, which might be a concern in peritonitis due to fluid shifts into the abdominal cavity. However, the patient’s signs of systemic infection (fever, elevated heart rate, low blood pressure) suggest that sepsis is a more imminent threat.
C. Electrolyte imbalance: Electrolyte imbalances are possible due to fluid loss, but they would be secondary to the more urgent concern of hypovolemic shock.
D. Sepsis: Sepsis is the highest priority due to the patient’s vital signs and symptoms indicating a systemic infection. Early recognition and treatment of sepsis are crucial to prevent organ failure and other severe complications.
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.
