Which risk factor is the most likely cause of a patient's peptic ulcer disease (PUD)?
Alcohol.
Helicobacter pylori.
Smoking.
Stress.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
While alcohol is a known irritant to the gastric lining, it is not the primary cause of peptic ulcer disease. Excessive alcohol consumption contributes to mucosal damage but lacks the direct causative action of Helicobacter pylori, which colonizes the stomach lining and interferes with protective mechanisms, leading to ulcer formation. Alcohol merely exacerbates existing risk factors rather than initiating disease.
Choice B rationale
Helicobacter pylori is the most common cause of peptic ulcer disease globally. Its mechanism involves producing urease, neutralizing stomach acid and enabling bacterial survival. It induces inflammation and mucosal damage, compromising the stomach's protective lining. Persistent infection leads to ulcer formation. This bacterial colonization is implicated in up to 90% of duodenal ulcers, making it the key pathogenic factor in PUD.
Choice C rationale
Smoking is a risk factor for peptic ulcer disease but functions more as an aggravating agent than the primary cause. Tobacco use increases gastric acid secretion and decreases bicarbonate production, weakening mucosal defenses. It also reduces the efficacy of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy, prolonging ulcer disease. However, it does not directly induce the condition independently, highlighting its secondary role in PUD pathology.
Choice D rationale
Stress is associated with peptic ulcer disease but is not a primary causative factor. Psychological stress can lead to hypersecretion of gastric acid, aggravating mucosal vulnerability in susceptible individuals. However, its role is predominantly indirect, amplifying existing risk factors like Helicobacter pylori infection. Stress-induced ulcers are typically seen in critical illnesses or severe physiological stress conditions, differing from PUD pathogenesis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Estimating carbohydrate content rather than measuring can lead to inaccuracies in blood sugar control for diabetic patients. Precise carbohydrate counting is essential for maintaining glycemic control and preventing hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, making this approach unsuitable in diabetes education.
Choice B rationale
Balancing carbohydrate intake with insulin or medication is a critical aspect of diabetes management. This ensures stable blood glucose levels as insulin dosage or medication is adjusted according to the patient's carbohydrate consumption, providing personalized glycemic control effectively.
Choice C rationale
Avoiding all carbohydrates is not a realistic or scientifically sound recommendation, as carbohydrates are essential for energy production. Teaching portion control and healthy carbohydrate choices is more effective for diabetic management than complete avoidance.
Choice D rationale
Counting carbohydrates from sugary foods alone ignores the contribution of complex carbohydrates to blood glucose levels. A comprehensive approach that considers all sources of carbohydrates ensures accurate diabetes education and better long-term blood sugar control.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
X-rays are commonly used to diagnose osteoarthritis as they effectively visualize joint space narrowing, osteophyte formation, and subchondral sclerosis, which are characteristic of OA. These imaging findings assist in confirming the diagnosis and assessing disease progression.
Choice B rationale
Lithography is not a diagnostic tool used for OA. It primarily refers to a printing method and has no relevance to imaging joints affected by osteoarthritis or diagnosing the condition scientifically.
Choice C rationale
Ultrasound can visualize soft tissues but is not routinely used for OA diagnosis. It does not provide the detailed assessment of joint degeneration seen in X-rays, making it less appropriate for identifying OA-related changes.
Choice D rationale
Echocardiograms are used to assess heart function and have no application in diagnosing osteoarthritis. They are irrelevant in imaging joint structures or evaluating degenerative joint diseases scientifically. .
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