The nurse is obtaining a health history for a client wishing to obtain a life insurance policy. When evaluating the abdomen, the client reports taking several antacids for heartburn that only occurs at night. Which additional finding associated with gastroesophageal reflux should the nurse ask the client to identify?

Hyperactive bowel sounds are present in all quadrants.

Small frequent meals cause heartburn to worsen.

Heartburn occurs when lying down at night.

Bowel movements are light grey and chalky.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A.   Hyperactive bowel sounds are not typically associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). They are more indicative of gastrointestinal disturbances such as increased bowel activity or a bowel obstruction. Since the client's symptoms are related to heartburn, assessing bowel sounds is less relevant to GERD. This choice does not provide useful information for diagnosing or managing GERD.
B.   This option is not commonly associated with GERD. In fact, small frequent meals are often recommended as a management strategy for GERD to reduce the occurrence of heartburn, as large meals can exacerbate symptoms by increasing stomach pressure. This choice does not align with typical GERD management strategies and may not be a useful symptom to assess in this context.
C.   This finding is highly relevant for GERD. Heartburn that occurs or worsens when lying down, especially at night, is a classic symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease. When a person lies flat, stomach acid can more easily flow back into the esophagus due to decreased gravitational pressure, leading to heartburn. Identifying this symptom helps confirm GERD and guides management strategies, such as elevating the head while sleeping or avoiding late meals.
D.   Light grey and chalky stools are indicative of issues related to bile production and could suggest a problem with the liver or biliary system rather than GERD. This symptom is not associated with GERD and would be more relevant in assessing conditions such as biliary obstruction or liver disease.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Vellus hair is fine, short, and lightly pigmented hair that covers most of the body. It is not typically associated with the effects of hair dye or chemical treatments. Excess vellus hair would be unusual in this context and is not related to the typical outcomes of hair dyeing.
B. Fine, thin, and limp hair can be a result of chemical damage from hair dyeing and other treatments. Hair that has been subjected to frequent dyeing and chemical processing can lose its strength and texture, becoming weaker and less resilient. This finding is consistent with the impact of repeated hair dyeing.
C. A receding front hairline is typically associated with genetic factors and androgenic alopecia (pattern baldness) rather than the effects of hair dyeing. Although hair loss can be influenced by various factors, including chemicals, a receding hairline is not a direct consequence of dyeing hair.
D. Coarse, dry, and brittle hair is a common result of frequent chemical treatments, including hair dyeing. Chemicals in hair dyes can strip moisture from the hair, leading to a rough texture, breakage, and brittleness. This finding is consistent with long-term use of hair dye and chemical processing.

A. Pain in the neck, jaw, or medial side of the left arm. B. Anterior thorax pain that radiates between the scapulae. C. Localized sternal border pain intensified by palpation. D. Chest pain that intensifies upon chest excursion.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Pain radiating to the neck, jaw, or medial side of the left arm is a classic symptom of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This type of referred pain occurs because the heart's pain signals are often perceived in other areas of the body. This finding is a strong indicator of AMI and is consistent with the typical presentation of myocardial infarction.
B. Pain in the anterior thorax that radiates between the scapulae can be associated with various conditions, including myocardial infarction, but it is less specific than pain radiating to the neck, jaw, or arm. While this type of pain can occur in AMI, it is not as distinctive as the classic left arm pain and may also be seen in conditions like angina or musculoskeletal issues.
C. Localized sternal border pain that worsens with palpation is more indicative of a musculoskeletal issue, such as costochondritis, rather than an acute myocardial infarction. AMI typically presents with diffuse chest pain that is not localized or worsened by palpation.
D. Chest pain that worsens with chest movement, such as deep breathing or coughing, is more characteristic of pleuritic pain or musculoskeletal pain rather than an acute myocardial infarction. In AMI, the pain is generally persistent and not influenced by respiratory movements.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse assesses a male client who is brought to the emergency department (ED) by his family who believes he is having a heart attack. Which finding is the best indicator that a client is experiencing an acute myocardial infarction (AMI)?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A 75-year-old client with a recent history of a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) presents with right hemiparesis. The nurse tests the deep tendon reflexes on the right side and elicits a brisk 4+ response. Which interpretation of this finding is accurate?

In reading a client's record, the nurse notes that the client is experiencing tinnitus. Which assessment provides the nurse with the information needed to evaluate the effects of this condition?

During the admission assessment, the nurse observes that a client has a limping gait. Which assessment should the nurse complete next?

The nurse examines a client admitted with a deep, constant pain in the abdomen that radiates to the back. Which finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?

While assessing a client, the nurse observes that the client has a frequent productive cough. What follow-up assessment should the nurse evaluate first?

The nurse is examining the abdomen of an older male client who expresses suprapubic tenderness on palpation. The client reports that it sometimes feels like there is still pressure in that area after urination. Which additional finding should the nurse expect with continued interview of the client?

An older adult client with a history of heart failure (HF) is brought to the clinic by a family member. Which finding(s) confirm to the nurse that the client is experiencing an exacerbation of the HP? Select all that apply.

When assessing a client's level of consciousness, the nurse determines that the client is alert and ambulatory, but confused. Which follow- up assessment should the nurse complete next?