The nurse is caring for a client who takes aspirin three times daily. Which of the following is a potential side effect of daily aspirin intake?

Choice A rationale
High hemoglobin is not typically a symptom of a perforated peptic ulcer. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. While changes in hemoglobin levels can indicate various health conditions, they are not directly associated with a perforated peptic ulcer.
Choice B rationale
Yellowing of the skin, or jaundice, is a symptom typically associated with liver disease, not a perforated peptic ulcer. Jaundice occurs when there’s too much bilirubin, a yellow-orange substance, in your blood.
Choice C rationale
Acute, sharp, and severe abdominal pain is a common symptom of a perforated peptic ulcer. A perforated peptic ulcer is a medical emergency that occurs when an ulcer goes through all the layers of the stomach or duodenum wall, creating a hole. This allows stomach or intestinal contents to leak into the abdominal cavity, causing severe abdominal pain.

Choice D rationale
High hematocrit is not typically a symptom of a perforated peptic ulcer. Hematocrit is the proportion of your total blood volume that is composed of red blood cells. While changes in hematocrit levels can indicate various health conditions, they are not directly associated with a perforated peptic ulcer. Dumping syndromeDumping syndrome Explore

Choice A rationale
Increasing fluid intake after a barium swallow test is recommended. This helps to flush the barium out of the system and can help to prevent constipation.
Choice B rationale
Stools will not be normal in color after a barium swallow test. It is normal for bowel movements to appear lighter in color, or even white, after a barium study.
Choice C rationale
The barium swallow test does examine the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, and jejunum. The barium coats the lining of these organs, making them easier to see on an X-ray.
Choice D rationale
Patients may need to take laxatives to prevent constipation from the barium. Barium can slow down the digestive system, so taking a laxative can help to keep things moving.