A 72-year-old patient was admitted with epigastric pain caused by a peptic ulcer. Which patient assessment warrants an urgent change in the nursing plan of care?
Chest pain relieved with eating or drinking water
Burning epigastric pain 90 minutes after breakfast
Back pain three or four hours after eating a meal
Rigid abdomen and vomiting following indigestion
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Chest pain that is relieved with eating or drinking water is not typically indicative of a complication from a peptic ulcer. This symptom may be related to conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Choice B rationale
Burning epigastric pain after eating is a common symptom of a peptic ulcer and, while uncomfortable, does not usually require an urgent change in the plan of care unless it significantly worsens or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
Choice C rationale
Back pain after eating can be associated with a peptic ulcer if the ulcer is located at the back of the stomach or the pain radiates; however, it does not typically warrant an urgent change in care without other symptoms.
Choice D rationale
A rigid abdomen and vomiting following indigestion can indicate a perforated ulcer, which is a medical emergency. This requires immediate intervention and possibly surgical consultation, thus warranting an urgent change in the nursing plan of care.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Chest pain that is relieved with eating or drinking water is not typically indicative of a complication from a peptic ulcer. This symptom may be related to conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Choice B rationale
Burning epigastric pain after eating is a common symptom of a peptic ulcer and, while uncomfortable, does not usually require an urgent change in the plan of care unless it significantly worsens or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
Choice C rationale
Back pain after eating can be associated with a peptic ulcer if the ulcer is located at the back of the stomach or the pain radiates; however, it does not typically warrant an urgent change in care without other symptoms.
Choice D rationale
A rigid abdomen and vomiting following indigestion can indicate a perforated ulcer, which is a medical emergency. This requires immediate intervention and possibly surgical consultation, thus warranting an urgent change in the nursing plan of care.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: An increasing hemoglobin level does not indicate the resolution of acute pancreatitis. Hemoglobin levels can fluctuate due to various factors, including hydration status and blood loss, but are not directly related to the resolution of pancreatitis.
Choice B reason:A decreasing serum amylase level is indicative of the resolution of acute pancreatitis. Amylase is an enzyme that helps digest carbohydrates and is released in large amounts when the pancreas is inflamed. As the inflammation resolves, amylase levels decrease.
Choice C reason: A falling serum bilirubin level may indicate improvement in liver function but is not a specific indicator of the resolution of acute pancreatitis. Bilirubin levels can be affected by conditions other than pancreatitis, such as bile duct obstruction or liver disease.
Choice D reason:An increasing serum alkaline phosphatase level is generally associated with bile duct obstruction or bone disease and does not indicate the resolution of acute pancreatitis. This enzyme is found in several tissues throughout the body, including the liver and bones.
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