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?
Chronic pancreatitis.
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD).
Esophagitis.
Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD).
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason:
Chronic pancreatitis is incorrect. Chronic pancreatitis typically presents with persistent, dull abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, often aggravated by eating rather than relieved by it. The pain associated with chronic pancreatitis is not typically described as gnawing or relieved by eating.
Choice B Reason:
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is correct. Peptic ulcer disease involves the development of open sores (ulcers) in the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcers) or the upper part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcers). The pain associated with PUD typically occurs in the epigastric region (upper abdomen) and can be described as gnawing, burning, or dull. The pain tends to worsen when the stomach is empty (hunger pains) and is relieved by eating or taking antacids. These symptoms are due to the increase in gastric acid secretion, which exacerbates the ulcer's irritation when the stomach is empty and is neutralized when food buffers the acid. Therefore, the presentation described is consistent with peptic ulcer disease (PUD).
Choice C Reason:
Esophagitis is incorrect. Esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus and may present with symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, or chest pain behind the breastbone. However, the symptoms described, particularly the worsening of pain when hungry and improvement after eating, are not typical of esophagitis.
Choice D Reason:
Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is incorrect. While gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause epigastric discomfort or heartburn, the symptoms described in the scenario are more indicative of pain related to hunger and relief after eating, which is more characteristic of peptic ulcer disease (PUD). Additionally, GERD symptoms are typically worsened by eating, lying down, or bending over, rather than improved.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Observing pupil size when focusing on a near object and then a far object is correct. This choice is correct because it directly assesses the pupillary reaction to accommodation, which refers to the changes in pupil size that occur when the eyes shift focus between near and far objects. Observing the pupils while the client focuses on a near object and then a far object allows the nurse to assess how the pupils constrict (become smaller) or dilate (become larger) in response to changes in focus, providing valuable information about the client's accommodation reflex.
Choice B Reason:
Comparing the shape of each of the pupils bilaterally with normal room light is incorrect. While comparing the shape of each pupil bilaterally with normal room light is a valid assessment technique for evaluating pupillary size and symmetry, it does not specifically assess the pupillary reaction to accommodation. Therefore, this choice is not as directly relevant to assessing accommodation reflex as choice A.
Choice C Reason:
Noting the speed of pupil constriction when a penlight is shined into the eye is incorrect. This choice refers to assessing the pupillary light reflex, which involves observing the speed and extent of pupil constriction in response to a bright light stimulus. While this assessment is important for evaluating the pupillary response to light, it does not specifically assess accommodation, which involves changes in pupil size in response to changes in focus between near and far objects. Therefore, this choice is not directly relevant to assessing accommodation reflex.
Choice D Reason:
Determining if dilation of the pupils occurs when the room is darkened is incorrect. This choice involves assessing the pupillary response to changes in ambient light levels, which is known as the pupillary light reflex. While assessing pupil dilation in response to darkness is important for evaluating the pupillary response to changes in light, it does not specifically assess accommodation reflex. Therefore, this choice is not directly relevant to assessing accommodation reflex.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Syncope is incorrect. Syncope, or fainting, can occur in individuals experiencing severe respiratory distress or hypoxia. Pursed-lip breathing is often used as a technique to manage dyspnea and improve oxygenation, which can help prevent syncope by ensuring adequate ventilation and oxygen delivery to the body's tissues. However, syncope is not the primary concern associated with the observation of pursed-lip breathing; instead, it is a potential consequence of inadequate oxygenation.
Choice B Reason:
Acute pain is not directly related to the observation of pursed-lip breathing. Pursed-lip breathing is a technique used to manage dyspnea and improve ventilation efficiency in individuals with respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma exacerbation. While pain can exacerbate respiratory distress in some cases, the primary focus when observing pursed-lip breathing is to assess and address respiratory status rather than pain management.
Choice C Reason:
Tetany is incorrect. Tetany, characterized by muscle spasms due to low calcium levels, is not directly associated with the observation of pursed-lip breathing. Pursed-lip breathing is a respiratory technique used to manage dyspnea and improve ventilation in individuals with respiratory conditions such as COPD or asthma. While respiratory distress can lead to various physiological responses, tetany is not a typical manifestation observed in individuals using pursed-lip breathing.
Choice D Reason:
Dyspnea is correct. Pursed-lip breathing is a technique often used by individuals with respiratory conditions to relieve shortness of breath and improve breathing efficiency. The primary reason for using pursed-lip breathing is to help alleviate dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, by promoting more effective exhalation and preventing airway collapse during expiration. Monitoring for dyspnea is crucial in this situation to assess the client's respiratory status, including the severity of breathing difficulty and any associated symptoms, and to guide further interventions to address the underlying cause of dyspnea. While syncope (fainting), acute pain, and tetany (muscle spasms due to low calcium levels) are potential concerns in certain clinical contexts, they are not directly associated with the observation of pursed-lip breathing. Therefore, dyspnea is the most relevant problem for the nurse to monitor in this scenario.
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