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. Obstruction of the bile duct:
Biliary cirrhosis can result from chronic obstruction of the bile ducts, leading to damage to the liver tissue. This obstruction can be due to various causes, such as gallstones or strictures.
B. Hepatotoxic medications:
While certain medications can contribute to liver damage, biliary cirrhosis specifically refers to conditions affecting the bile ducts. Hepatotoxic medications may contribute to cirrhosis but not necessarily biliary cirrhosis.
C. Hepatitis C:
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver. While chronic hepatitis C infection can lead to cirrhosis, it is not synonymous with biliary cirrhosis.
D. Excessive alcohol consumption:
Excessive alcohol consumption is a common cause of cirrhosis, but biliary cirrhosis specifically refers to cirrhosis resulting from chronic obstruction of the bile ducts.
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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