Heart sounds are loudest for S1 at the ______ and S2 at the _____.

Choice A rationale
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.
Choice B rationale
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 C rationale
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (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 peptic ulcer disease (PUD)5.
Choice D rationale
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is the correct answer. 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)5.

Choice A rationale
Asking the client to describe any other related symptoms is important for a comprehensive assessment but does not objectively confirm the presence of fever.
Choice B rationale
Placing the dorsum of the hand on the client’s forehead is a quick and practical method to assess for fever. It provides an initial subjective assessment of the client’s temperature before taking an accurate measurement with a thermometer.
Choice C rationale
Using both hands to hold and palpate the client’s hands may help assess for other symptoms such as clamminess or coldness but does not objectively confirm the presence of fever.
Choice D rationale
Lightly pinching a fold of skin over the client’s sternum assesses skin turgor and hydration status but does not objectively confirm the presence of fever.