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 A
Explanation
A. "Eat four small meals each day":
Smaller, more frequent meals reduce gastric distension and lower gastric pressure, which decreases reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. Large meals increase intra-abdominal pressure and worsen GERD symptoms.
B. "Sleep on your left side":
Sleeping on the left side may reduce symptoms of GERD for some individuals. This position can keep the stomach below the esophagus, minimizing reflux. However, individual preferences and comfort should be considered.
C. "Wait to go to bed for 1 hour after eating":
This instruction helps reduce the risk of reflux while lying down. Waiting after eating allows gravity to aid in digestion and reduces the likelihood of stomach contents backing up into the esophagus during sleep.
D. "Drink milk to soothe your stomach":
While milk might provide temporary relief for some people by neutralizing stomach acid, it can stimulate acid production, potentially exacerbating GERD symptoms in the long run. Therefore, it's not a recommended solution for managing GERD.
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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