A 45-year-old patient with a history of chronic alcohol use presents to the emergency department with epigastric pain, nausea, and vomiting. Which of the following findings would best support a diagnosis of acute gastritis?
Erosion of the gastric mucosa on endoscopy
Decreased serum amylase levels
Presence of Helicobacter pylori antibodies in serum
Hypersecretion of hydrochloric acid
The Correct Answer is A
A. Erosion of the gastric mucosa on endoscopy is the hallmark of acute gastritis. Chronic alcohol use can irritate and inflame the stomach lining, leading to mucosal erosion, which is commonly seen during endoscopy in patients with this condition.
B. Decreased serum amylase levels are not typically associated with acute gastritis. Amylase levels are more commonly elevated in cases of pancreatitis, not gastritis.
C. The presence of Helicobacter pylori antibodies in serum is more indicative of chronic gastritis or peptic ulcer disease rather than acute gastritis. H. pylori is a long-term cause of gastric inflammation.
D. Hypersecretion of hydrochloric acid is more commonly associated with conditions such as Zollinger- Ellison syndrome and is not a typical finding in acute gastritis caused by alcohol use.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["G","H"]
Explanation
A. Advising the patient to take antacids only when severe pain occurs may not be effective. Antacids should be used regularly or as prescribed for consistent symptom relief.
B. Instructing the patient to eat three large meals per day may exacerbate symptoms; smaller, more frequent meals are often better for managing gastritis.
C. Encouraging smoking to reduce stress is harmful, as smoking can exacerbate gastritis and increase stomach acid production.
D. Spicy foods should be avoided in gastritis, as they can irritate the stomach lining.
E. NSAIDs should be avoided in gastritis because they can irritate the gastric mucosa and worsen symptoms.
F. Coffee can stimulate acid production and may irritate the stomach lining, so it should be avoided.
G. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) help reduce gastric acid secretion and are a mainstay treatment for gastritis.
H. A bland diet is recommended, as it avoids irritating foods and allows the stomach lining to heal.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Antibiotics are not indicated in the treatment of an asthma exacerbation unless there is a confirmed bacterial infection, which is not suggested here.
B. Increasing the frequency of albuterol nebulizations may be appropriate, but more aggressive interventions are required, as the patient has not improved with initial treatment.
C. Intravenous magnesium sulfate is often used in severe asthma exacerbations to help relax the muscles around the airways, making it a more appropriate next step for this patient.
D. Subcutaneous epinephrine can be used for anaphylaxis but is not the first-line treatment for asthma exacerbations.
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