The nurse is caring for a client with diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease. Which assessment finding indicates to the nurse that the client most likely has an ulcer in the stomach rather than the duodenum?
The client's stool is positive for occult blood.
The client reports abdominal discomfort an hour after each meal.
The client has had four ulcers in the last 5 years.
The client's hemoglobin is 13 g/dL and hematocrit is 42%.
The Correct Answer is B
Abdominal discomfort an hour after a meal is a common symptom of a gastric ulcer because the stomach is where food is initially processed, and stomach acid is most concentrated. In contrast, duodenal ulcers typically cause pain 2-3 hours after meals, as food moves out of the stomach and into the duodenum, where it encounters duodenal acid.
A positive stool occult blood test is a non-specific finding that can be caused by many gastrointestinal conditions, including peptic ulcers. It does not indicate the location of the ulcer.
The number of ulcers the client has had in the past does not indicate the location of the current ulcer.
Normal hemoglobin and hematocrit levels do not provide information about the location of the ulcer.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
acromegaly typically causes an enlargement of the hands and feet. The nurse can inquire if the patient has noticed any changes in shoe size, as this may indicate abnormal growth.
"Are you experiencing tremors or anxiety" is not directly related to acromegaly, and although anxiety can be associated with some medical conditions, it is not a typical symptom of acromegaly.
"Is there any family history of acromegaly?" is also a relevant question, as acromegaly can be caused by a genetic disorder. If the patient has a family history of the condition, this may increase their risk of developing it.
"Have you had a recent head injury?" is not specifically related to acromegaly, although head trauma can cause a variety of medical conditions.
Overall, option a. is the most relevant question to ask a patient with suspected acromegaly.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Sudden discontinuation of prednisone can result in adrenal insufficiency and can lead to life-threatening complications. The nurse should also instruct the patient to report any symptoms of an infection, such as fever, to the doctor promptly, as prednisone can mask signs of an infection.
Monitoring for mood alterations and daily weight measurement are also important aspects of care, but they are not as crucial as the need to gradually taper off the medication.
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