A client arrives at the emergency room with symptoms of peptic ulcer disease. Which of these symptoms should the nurse identify as the priority?

Hematemesis

Abdominal bloating

Epigastric discomfort

Dyspepsia

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: Hematemesis Hematemesis, or vomiting blood, is a serious symptom that usually indicates bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract. This could be due to a severe peptic ulcer, among other conditions1. The blood may appear red or black, and the condition can cause a person to go into hypovolemic shock, which can lead to organ failure and death if not treated immediately. Therefore, hematemesis should be identified as the priority symptom in this case. While all these symptoms can be associated with peptic ulcer disease, hematemesis is the most serious and should be prioritized due to the risk of significant blood loss and potential for hypovolemic shock.

Choice B reason: Abdominal bloating Abdominal bloating is a symptom that can be caused by various conditions, including indigestion, overeating, and certain medical conditions. While it can be uncomfortable, it is generally not as immediately life-threatening as hematemesis.

Choice C reason: Epigastric discomfort Epigastric discomfort refers to pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, below the ribs. It can be caused by conditions such as acid reflux, GERD, overeating, lactose intolerance, and others. While it can be a symptom of a peptic ulcer, it is not typically as urgent as hematemesis.

Choice D reason: Dyspepsia Dyspepsia, also known as indigestion, can cause symptoms such as bloating, heartburn, and feeling full too quickly8910. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including certain foods, overeating, and medical conditions like GERD. While it can be a symptom of a peptic ulcer, it is generally not as immediately life-threatening as hematemesis.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:While sharing needles can transmit hepatitis, it is more commonly associated with hepatitis B and C, not hepatitis A.

Choice B reason:Eating shellfish from contaminated water is a well-known route of transmission for hepatitis A, aligning with the client's symptoms.

Choice C reason:Blood transfusions were a risk for hepatitis transmission in the past, but since the 1990s, blood products are screened for hepatitis, making this an unlikely source.

Choice D reason:Unprotected sex can be a route of transmission for hepatitis, but hepatitis A is more commonly spread through ingestion of contaminated food or water, not sexual contact.

A. Tachycardia B. Rebound tenderness C. Rigid abdomen D. Elevated blood pressure

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]

Explanation

Tachycardia, or a rapid heartbeat, is a common response to the pain and stress associated with stomach perforation. The body’s sympathetic nervous system is activated in response to the pain and the potential shock state due to internal bleeding or infection, leading to an increased heart rate. Tachycardia is also a compensatory mechanism to maintain adequate blood flow and oxygen delivery to vital organs in the setting of decreased blood volume. A stomach perforation due to a peptic ulcer is a serious medical condition where an ulcer has led to a hole in the stomach lining. This can lead to the contents of the stomach spilling into the abdominal cavity, causing peritonitis, which is an inflammation of the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity).

Choice B: Rebound tenderness

Rebound tenderness is a clinical sign that indicates irritation of the peritoneum. When pressure is applied to the abdomen and then quickly released, the sudden movement of the peritoneal layers against each other produces sharp, rebound pain. This is a classic sign of peritonitis, which can occur with stomach perforation as gastric contents irritate the peritoneum. When assessing a client with a suspected stomach perforation due to a peptic ulcer, a nurse should expect to find signs of tachycardia, rebound tenderness, and a rigid abdomen. These findings are indicative of the body’s response to the acute abdominal condition and peritoneal irritation. It is crucial to recognize these signs promptly as stomach perforation is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention.

Choice C: Rigid abdomen

A rigid abdomen is indicative of involuntary guarding, a reflex contraction of the abdominal muscles to protect inflamed organs within the abdomen. This rigidity is a sign of peritoneal irritation and is often present in cases of stomach perforation. The rigidity helps to immobilize the area, which may reduce pain but also serves as a clinical indicator of serious intra-abdominal pathology.

Choice D: Elevated blood pressure

Elevated blood pressure is not typically a direct result of stomach perforation. In fact, blood pressure may initially be normal or even low, depending on the body’s response to internal bleeding and the potential development of shock. However, pain and anxiety can cause a transient increase in blood pressure, but it is not a primary diagnostic criterion for stomach perforation.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A client arrives at the emergency room with symptoms of peptic ulcer disease. Which of these symptoms should the nurse identify as the priority?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The healthcare provider has determined that a client has contracted hepatitis A based on flu-like symptoms and jaundice. Which statement made by the client supports this medical diagnosis?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client in the emergency department has suspected stomach perforation due to a peptic ulcer. The nurse is completing the assessment and should expect which of the following findings? (Select all that apply).

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]

Explanation

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory data of a client following a hemodialysis treatment. The nurse should expect to find a decrease in which of the following laboratory values?

A nurse is assessing clients in a health clinic for risk factors for contracting hepatitis. Which of the following clients is at risk for developing hepatitis C?

The nurse is reviewing the record of a client with a diagnosis of cirrhosis and notes that there is documentation of the presence of asterixis. How should the nurse assess for asterixis?

A client is being admitted to the emergency department with a possible dissecting abdominal aortic aneurysm. Which of the following clinical manifestations are not signs and symptoms of hypovolemic shock?

A nurse is teaching the partner of a client who had an acute myocardial infarction (MI) about the reason blood was drawn from the client. Which of the following statements should the nurse make regarding cardiac enzyme studies?

A client who has a recent closed head injury reports a severe headache and is restless. Which of the following is an appropriate nursing intervention?

A nurse is caring for a client who has a chest tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is caring for a client who has acute respiratory failure (ARF). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following manifestations of this condition? (Select all that apply).