A patient who experienced an upper GI bleed due to gastritis has had the bleeding controlled and the patient's condition is stable. For the next several hours, the nurse caring for this patient should assess for what signs and symptoms of recurrence?
Sudden thirst, unrelieved by oral fluid administration
Tachycardia, hypotension, and tachypnea
Diaphoresis and sudden onset of abdominal pain
Tarry, foul-smelling stools
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
While thirst can be a sign of dehydration, it is not specific to recurrence of a GI bleed.
Choice B reason:
This is the correct answer. Tachycardia (rapid heart rate), hypotension (low blood pressure), and tachypnea (rapid breathing) are signs of potential recurrence of a GI bleed and should be closely monitored.
Choice C reason:
Diaphoresis (excessive sweating) and sudden onset of abdominal pain could be indicative of various conditions, but they are not specific to recurrence of a GI bleed.
Choice D reason:
Tarry, foul-smelling stools are indicative of melena, which is a sign of a GI bleed. However, in this scenario, the bleeding has been controlled, so this is not an expected sign of recurrence.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease can require surgery in some cases, but it is not a common link that defines both conditions.
Choice B reason:
This is the correct answer. Both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). They share the common feature of chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.
Choice C reason:
Fistula formation is more commonly associated with Crohn's disease than ulcerative colitis. It is not a defining characteristic of both conditions.
Choice D reason:
Ulcerative colitis primarily affects the colon and rectum, but Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus. Therefore, both conditions do not necessarily begin in the rectum.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Asterixis is a characteristic sign of hepatic encephalopathy, characterized by a flapping tremor of the hands. It is associated with liver dysfunction and is indicative of impaired ammonia metabolism in the brain.
Choice B reason:
Fetor hepaticus refers to a musty, sweet odor of the breath that is associated with severe liver disease. It is not related to the flapping tremor observed in this case.
Choice C reason:
Palmar erythema is a reddening of the palms and is associated with various conditions, including liver disease. However, it is not the sign described in the scenario.
Choice D reason:
Constructional apraxia is a neurological deficit characterized by difficulty in copying or constructing simple drawings or designs. It is not related to the flapping tremor seen in hepatic encephalopathy.
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