An adult client presents with gnawing epigastric pain. The pain is worse when the client is hungry and abates after eating something. Which problem do these symptoms suggest?

Esophagitis.

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD).

Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD).

Chronic pancreatitis.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

The symptoms described, including gnawing epigastric pain that worsens when hungry and improves after eating, are classic manifestations of peptic ulcer disease (PUD). Peptic ulcers are erosions in the mucosal lining of the stomach or duodenum, often caused by Helicobacter pylori infection or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The pain typically occurs when the stomach is empty and is relieved by food intake due to the buffering effect of food on gastric acid. This pattern of pain is known as "hunger pain" or "meal-related pain" and is characteristic of PUD.

A. Esophagitis:
Esophagitis refers to inflammation of the esophagus, often due to reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. Symptoms may include heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and chest pain, but the pain is typically not related to hunger and food intake as described in the scenario.

C. Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD):
GERD involves the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus, leading to symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and chest pain. While GERD can cause epigastric discomfort, the described pattern of pain worsening with hunger and improving after eating is more indicative of PUD.

D. Chronic pancreatitis:
Chronic pancreatitis is characterized by inflammation and irreversible damage to the pancreas, leading to persistent abdominal pain, often radiating to the back. While epigastric pain is a feature of chronic pancreatitis, the relief of pain after eating is not typically seen, making it less likely in this scenario.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) A 2-year-old who is demonstrating diaphragmatic breathing:
In young children, especially infants and toddlers, the PMI is typically easier to locate due to their smaller size and thinner chest wall. Diaphragmatic breathing, which is normal in infants and toddlers, does not necessarily interfere with locating the PMI.

B) A 45-year-old long distance runner with a body mass index (BMI) of 18 kg/m2:
A BMI within the normal range does not necessarily affect the ability to locate the PMI. Additionally, physical fitness, such as being a long-distance runner, may contribute to better cardiovascular health and clearer identification of the PMI.

C) A 75-year-old with a pneumothorax and a chest tube:
In clients with a pneumothorax and a chest tube, the presence of medical devices and underlying respiratory conditions may affect the ability to locate the PMI. However, the primary challenge here would likely be due to the presence of the chest tube rather than the client's age alone.

D) A 54-year-old who is 5 feet (152.4 cm) tall and weighs 300 pounds (136.1 kg):
In individuals who are significantly overweight or obese, locating the PMI may be challenging due to increased chest wall thickness and adipose tissue. The increased depth of tissue can make palpating the PMI more difficult, leading to anticipated difficulty in locating it accurately.

A. Press the stethoscope's diaphragm firmly on the skin over each lung field. B. Use the bell of the stethoscope to listen to the lung fields over lower lobes. C. Shave all chest hair that may distort sounds heard through the diaphragm. D. Have the client lay flat while listening to the anterior surface of the chest.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Press the stethoscope's diaphragm firmly on the skin over each lung field: The diaphragm of the stethoscope is best for hearing high-pitched sounds, such as breath sounds, including adventitious lung sounds like crackles, wheezes, and rhonchi. Pressing the diaphragm firmly against the skin ensures optimal transmission of these sounds, allowing for accurate assessment of the client's lung condition.

B) Use the bell of the stethoscope to listen to the lung fields over lower lobes: The bell of the stethoscope is designed to pick up low-pitched sounds and is typically used for heart sounds and vascular sounds. It is not the best choice for auscultating breath sounds in the lungs, which are better heard with the diaphragm.

C) Shave all chest hair that may distort sounds heard through the diaphragm: While chest hair can sometimes cause distortion, it is generally not necessary to shave the chest. Instead, pressing the diaphragm firmly against the skin can help minimize interference from chest hair. If needed, the nurse can also moisten the chest hair to reduce the sound interference.

D) Have the client lay flat while listening to the anterior surface of the chest: Although certain positions can aid in auscultation, lying flat is not always necessary and can be uncomfortable for clients with respiratory issues. Sitting up or in a semi-recumbent position is generally more comfortable and effective for assessing lung sounds.

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An adult client presents with gnawing epigastric pain. The pain is worse when the client is hungry and abates after eating something. Which problem do these symptoms suggest?

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