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).

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

a. "Motor responses."Motor responses are important in assessing neurological function, but they are typically assessed after determining the client's overall level of consciousness and alertness. Motor responses are usually assessed when the client is unresponsive or has altered consciousness.

b. "Eye opening."Eye opening is part of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and is an important indicator of neurological function. However, it is generally assessed after determining the client's level of alertness.

c. "Verbal response."Verbal response is another component of the GCS, assessing how the client responds to verbal stimuli. This assessment also follows the initial determination of the client’s alertness.

d. "Level of alertness."The level of alertness is the first and most fundamental aspect to assess because it gives the nurse a baseline understanding of how aware the client is of their surroundings. This assessment sets the stage for further evaluation of motor, eye, and verbal responses. It helps determine the client's ability to interact and respond to stimuli, guiding subsequent assessments.

A. Ask about recent abdominal trauma. B. Palpate the area for masses. C. Document the normal finding. D. Observe the midline for scarring.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A Reason:

Ask about recent abdominal trauma: in this case, the depressed umbilicus is a normal finding, so no further action related to trauma assessment is necessary.

Choice B Reason:

Palpate the area for masses: Palpating the area for masses is a good practice during abdominal assessments. However, in the context of a depressed umbilicus, this finding is not indicative of an abnormal mass. Therefore, palpation is not specifically warranted.

Choice C Reason:

Document the normal finding: Correct! A depressed umbilicus that lies below the surface of the abdomen is considered a normal variation. Documenting this finding ensures accurate and comprehensive assessment documentation.

Choice D Reason:

Observe the midline for scarring: While observing the midline for scarring is relevant in some situations (such as assessing for surgical scars), it’s not directly related to the depressed umbilicus. Therefore, this action is not necessary based on the specific finding described.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

In assessing a client's level of consciousness, what should the nurse assess first?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

During assessment of a client's abdomen, the nurse observes that the client's umbilicus is depressed and below the surface of the abdomen. What action should the nurse take in response to this observation?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse observes an older adult client walking aimlessly in the hallway and staring straight ahead with a blank expression. How should the nurse enter documentation of this finding in the client's electronic medical record (EMR)?

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While assessing a client, the nurse notices that the client's legs are asymmetrical. Which additional physical data should the nurse collect?

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