A client admitted to the emergency department with an acute exacerbation of peptic ulcer disease is vomiting and describing epigastric pain and nausea. After obtaining vital sign measurements, which prescription should the nurse implement first?

Insert a nasogastric tube (NGT) and attach to low intermittent suction.

Give a prescribed analgesic for temperature above 101°F (38.3° C).

Place an indwelling urinary catheter and attach a bedside drainage unit.

Send the client to x-ray for a flat plate of the abdomen.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: Inserting a nasogastric tube (NGT) and attaching to low intermittent suction is the priority intervention for a client with peptic ulcer disease who is vomiting and experiencing epigastric pain and nausea. This can help decompress the stomach, remove gastric contents, prevent further bleeding, and relieve the symptoms. The NGT should be inserted carefully and checked for proper placement before suctioning.

Choice B reason: Giving a prescribed analgesic for temperature above 101°F (38.3° C) is not the first intervention for a client with peptic ulcer disease who is vomiting and experiencing epigastric pain and nausea. Temperature elevation can indicate infection or inflammation, which can be treated with antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs. However, analgesics can have adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract, such as irritation, ulceration, or bleeding. Analgesics should be given cautiously and after the cause of the fever is identified.

Choice C reason: Placing an indwelling urinary catheter and attaching a bedside drainage unit is not the first intervention for a client with peptic ulcer disease who is vomiting and experiencing epigastric pain and nausea. Urinary catheterization can help monitor the fluid balance, renal function, and blood loss of the client, but it is not a priority in this situation. Urinary catheterization can also pose risks of infection, trauma, or obstruction, and should be avoided unless necessary.

Choice D reason: Sending the client to x-ray for a flat plate of the abdomen is not the first intervention for a client with peptic ulcer disease who is vomiting and experiencing epigastric pain and nausea. X-ray can help diagnose the location and extent of the ulcer, perforation, or obstruction, but it is not a priority in this situation. X-ray can also expose the client to radiation, which can be harmful, and should be done only after the client is stabilized.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Wearing clothing to cover the radiation site is a correct action, as it can protect the skin from sun exposure, irritation, and infection. The clothing should be loose-fitting, soft, and made of natural fibers, such as cotton or linen. The clothing should also be changed daily and washed separately from other clothes.

Choice B reason: Washing the radiation site with antibacterial soap and water is an incorrect action, as it can dry out, damage, or inflame the skin. The skin in the radiation site is more sensitive and vulnerable to injury and infection. The client should use mild, unscented soap and water to gently cleanse the area once a day, and avoid rubbing or scrubbing the skin.

Choice C reason: Applying prescribed lotions to the radiation site is a correct action, as it can moisturize, soothe, and heal the skin. The client should use only the lotions that are recommended by the health care provider, and avoid any products that contain alcohol, perfume, or other irritants. The client should also apply the lotions at least one hour before or after the radiation treatment, and not during the treatment.

Choice D reason: Drying the area with patting motions after taking a shower is a correct action, as it can prevent friction and trauma to the skin. The client should use a soft, clean towel to gently pat the skin dry, and avoid rubbing or pulling the skin. The client should also avoid using hair dryers, heating pads, or ice packs on the radiation site.

A. Apical heart rate of 100 to 110 beats/minute. B. Redness and edema noted at the incision site. C. High-pitched sound heard upon inspiration. D. Pain rating of 8 on a scale of 1 to 10.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: An apical heart rate of 100 to 110 beats/minute is not unusual after surgery, as the client may be experiencing stress, pain, or anxiety. This finding does not require immediate action by the nurse, but should be monitored and reported if it persists or worsens.

Choice B reason: Redness and edema at the incision site are expected signs of inflammation and healing after surgery. This finding does not require immediate action by the nurse, but should be assessed for signs of infection, such as pus, warmth, or foul odor.

Choice C reason: A high-pitched sound heard upon inspiration, also known as stridor, is a sign of upper airway obstruction, which can be life-threatening. This finding requires immediate action by the nurse, such as administering oxygen, suctioning, or calling for help.

Choice D reason: A pain rating of 8 on a scale of 1 to 10 indicates severe pain, which can affect the client's recovery and comfort. This finding requires prompt action by the nurse, such as administering analgesics, repositioning, or providing non-pharmacological interventions. However, this is not as urgent as choice C, which involves the client's airway.

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A client admitted to the emergency department with an acute exacerbation of peptic ulcer disease is vomiting and describing epigastric pain and nausea. After obtaining vital sign measurements, which prescription should the nurse implement first?

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