A nurse is assessing a client diagnosed with peptic ulcer disease. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as the priority?
Dyspepsia
Epigastric discomfort
Hematemesis
Epigastric pain
The Correct Answer is C
A. Dyspepsia:
Dyspepsia refers to discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, often described as indigestion. It is a common symptom of peptic ulcer disease but is not as urgent as the manifestation described in option C.
B. Epigastric discomfort:
Epigastric discomfort is a common symptom of peptic ulcer disease, but the priority is to identify more severe complications, such as bleeding.
C. Hematemesis:
This is the correct answer. Hematemesis refers to the vomiting of blood, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of peptic ulcer disease. It indicates active bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract and requires prompt medical attention.
D. Epigastric pain:
Epigastric pain is similar to epigastric discomfort and is a common symptom of peptic ulcer disease. However, the priority in the given options is to identify the more severe complication of hematemesis.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Blood glucose level below 40 mg/dL is not typical in diabetic ketoacidosis. DKA is characterized by hyperglycemia, and blood glucose levels are usually significantly elevated.
B. Acetone odor to breath is a classic sign of diabetic ketoacidosis. The presence of ketones, including acetone, can result in a fruity or sweet odor to the breath. This is often referred to as "ketone breath."
C. Malignant hypertension is not a typical manifestation of diabetic ketoacidosis. DKA is more commonly associated with dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and metabolic acidosis.
D. Cheyne-Stokes breathing is not a characteristic respiratory pattern seen in diabetic ketoacidosis. Respiratory changes in DKA are more likely to involve rapid and deep breathing (Kussmaul respirations) as the body attempts to compensate for metabolic acidosis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Fatty stools:
Obstruction of the common bile duct can result in impaired bile flow, leading to a decrease in bile salts reaching the intestine. This can result in the malabsorption of fats, causing fatty or greasy stools (steatorrhea).
B. Tenderness in the left upper abdomen:
Tenderness in the left upper abdomen might be more commonly associated with conditions like splenic issues or stomach problems rather than an obstruction of the common bile duct.
C. Straw-colored urine:
Straw-colored urine is typical of well-hydrated individuals and might not directly correlate with an obstruction of the common bile duct.
D. Ecchymosis of the extremities:
Ecchymosis (bruising) of the extremities is not typically associated with an obstruction of the common bile duct resulting from chronic cholecystitis.
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