A nurse is caring for a client who has gastrointestinal bleeding. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A. "A weight reduction program will make me hypoglycemic.”

This statement suggests a misunderstanding. Weight reduction programs, when done appropriately, can contribute to better blood sugar control, but they should not necessarily lead to hypoglycemia if managed properly.

B. "I give the insulin injections in my abdominal area.”

This is the correct statement. Injecting insulin into the abdominal area is a common and recommended practice as it allows for consistent absorption and is a well-vascularized area.

C. “Insulin allows me to eat ice cream at bedtime.”

This statement suggests a misunderstanding. While insulin helps manage blood sugar levels, it should not be seen as a means to consume unlimited quantities of high-sugar foods, as a balanced diet is still crucial.

D. "I am to take my blood sugar reading after meals.”

This statement is partially correct. Blood sugar readings are often recommended before and after meals to assess the impact of food intake on blood glucose levels.

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.