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.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Morphine is used to manage pain and anxiety after the initial acute phase of an MI.

Choice B reason: Aspirin is used in the initial treatment of MI to prevent further clot formation but is not primarily for pain and anxiety management.

Choice C reason: Oxygen is administered during the acute phase of an MI if the patient is hypoxic.

Choice D reason: Nitroglycerin is used to manage chest pain in MI but is not the primary medication for general pain and anxiety post-acute phase.

A. Hypermagnesemia B. Hyponatremia C. Hyperkalemia D. Hypophosphatemia

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Hypermagnesemia, or high levels of magnesium in the blood, is not typically associated with refeeding syndrome. Instead, refeeding syndrome can lead to hypomagnesemia, which is a low level of magnesium in the blood, due to shifts of magnesium into the cells during insulin secretion in the refeeding process.

Choice B reason: Hyponatremia, or low levels of sodium in the blood, is not a hallmark of refeeding syndrome. While fluid shifts can affect sodium levels, the key electrolyte disturbances in refeeding syndrome involve phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium.

Choice C reason: Hyperkalemia, or high levels of potassium in the blood, is not a common finding in refeeding syndrome. Similar to magnesium, potassium can shift into cells during refeeding, which can actually lead to hypokalemia, or low levels of potassium in the blood.

Choice D reason: Hypophosphatemia, or low levels of phosphorus in the blood, is the hallmark of refeeding syndrome. When a malnourished individual is refed, insulin secretion is stimulated by the increased carbohydrate intake. Insulin promotes cellular uptake of glucose, which is accompanied by phosphate, potassium, and magnesium, leading to a decrease in the serum levels of these electrolytes. Phosphorus is critical for cellular processes, and its deficiency can lead to muscle weakness, respiratory failure, hemolysis, and impaired cardiac function. During refeeding, careful monitoring of electrolytes is essential to prevent and manage refeeding syndrome. Hypophosphatemia is the most significant laboratory finding to anticipate in a patient with refeeding syndrome, and it requires prompt recognition and treatment to prevent serious complications.

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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

A nurse in an emergency department is planning care for a client who is having an acute myocardial infarction (MI). Which of the following medications should the nurse plan to administer after the initial acute phase to manage the client's pain and anxiety?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving continuous enteral nutrition and develops refeeding syndrome. The nurse should expect which of the following laboratory findings?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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