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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Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Administer medications:
While nasogastric tubes can be used to administer medications, this is not the primary rationale for their use in pyloric obstruction. The primary goal is often decompression.
B. Supply nutrients via tube feedings:
Providing nutrients via tube feedings is not the primary purpose in the context of a pyloric obstruction. Decompression is more relevant in this scenario.
C. Decompress the stomach:
Decompressing the stomach is a common use of nasogastric tubes in the context of pyloric obstruction. The tube helps to remove excess air and gastric contents, relieving pressure in the stomach.
D. Determine the pH of the gastric secretions:
While determining the pH of gastric secretions is a possible use, it is not the primary rationale for nasogastric tube placement in pyloric obstruction. The primary goal is often to relieve obstruction and decompress the stomach.
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