A 60-year-old patient with a history of peptic ulcer disease is admitted to the hospital with complaints of coffee-ground emesis and melena. What is the nurse's most appropriate initial action?
Encourage the patient to take deep breaths and relax.
Prepare the patient for an abdominal ultrasound.
Administer oral proton pump inhibitors as prescribed.
Initiate intravenous (IV) access and administer fluids as prescribed.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Encouraging the patient to relax and breathe deeply does not address the immediate concerns of potential hemorrhage.
B. An abdominal ultrasound is not the first step in managing potential GI bleeding; stabilization is the priority.
C. Proton pump inhibitors are important for managing peptic ulcer disease, but the immediate priority is
stabilizing the patient’s condition.
D. Initiating IV access and administering fluids as prescribed is essential to stabilize the patient, manage shock, and address potential blood loss from gastrointestinal bleeding.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Decongestants are not directly linked to the development of peptic ulcers and should not be avoided solely for this reason.
B. Undercooked foods may increase the risk for foodborne illness but are not a significant factor in the development of peptic ulcers.
C. Hormone replacement therapy is not a primary risk factor for peptic ulcers, though it may affect other aspects of gastrointestinal health.
D. Fried foods can irritate the stomach lining and exacerbate acid reflux, which could increase the risk of peptic ulcers, so it is advisable to avoid them.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Barrett's esophagus is a complication of GERD and is associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer. It is essential for the patient to follow up with a GI specialist for surveillance.
B. Pancreatic cancer is not directly related to GERD, so the nurse should not suggest watching for symptoms of this condition.
C. Diabetes risk is not directly increased by GERD. Therefore, follow-up with an endocrinologist is unnecessary unless the patient has other risk factors for diabetes.
D. Liver issues are not typically associated with GERD, so monitoring for liver problems would not be a primary concern in this case.
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