A client reports experiencing stomach pain and it is localized in the middle section of the abdomen below the xiphoid process. The nurse should describe the pain as occurring in which region of the abdomen?
Epigastric region.
Hypogastric region.
Hypochondriac region.
Umbilical region.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Epigastric region is correct. The epigastric region is the area of the abdomen located between the lower part of the ribcage and the navel (umbilicus). Pain localized in the middle section of the abdomen below the xiphoid process corresponds to the epigastric region. This region encompasses the upper part of the stomach and the lower part of the esophagus, making it a common location for discomfort related to conditions such as gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Choice B Reason:
Hypogastric region is incorrect. The hypogastric region is located in the lower part of the abdomen, below the umbilical region. Pain in the hypogastric region typically corresponds to the lower abdomen, around the pubic bone, and may be associated with conditions such as bladder infections, menstrual cramps, or pelvic inflammatory disease.
Choice C Reason:
Hypochondriac region is incorrect. The hypochondriac regions are located on each side of the upper abdomen, beneath the ribs. Pain in the hypochondriac region may be associated with conditions affecting the liver, gallbladder, or spleen, but it does not correspond to the description provided by the client.
Choice D Reason:
Umbilical region is incorrect. The umbilical region is located around the navel (umbilicus) in the center of the abdomen. Pain in the umbilical region may be associated with conditions affecting the small intestine or structures around the navel, such as umbilical hernias. However, it does not specifically correspond to the description of pain below the xiphoid process in the middle section of the abdomen.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Coronary heart disease is incorrect. Coronary heart disease is primarily associated with cardiovascular symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. While some nail changes may occur in individuals with coronary heart disease due to decreased oxygenation, brittle, concave nails are not a typical manifestation of this condition. Therefore, this option is less likely to explain the appearance of the nails.
Choice B Reason:
Iron deficiency anemia is correct. Iron deficiency anemia is characterized by a lack of iron in the body, leading to decreased production of hemoglobin and red blood cells. One of the classic nail findings associated with iron deficiency anemia is koilonychia, which presents as brittle, concave nails with a spoon-like appearance. This is due to structural changes in the nails caused by the deficiency of iron. Therefore, this option is the most likely explanation for the observed nail changes.
Choice C Reason:
Diabetes mellitus is incorrect. Diabetes mellitus can lead to various dermatologic manifestations, including nail changes such as thickening, discoloration, and slow nail growth. However, brittle, concave nails with a spoon-like appearance are not typically associated with diabetes mellitus. Therefore, while diabetes mellitus may affect the nails, it is less likely to explain the specific appearance observed in this case.
Choice D Reason:
Recent candida infection is incorrect. Candida infections, particularly in the nail folds (paronychia), can lead to changes in the nails such as discoloration, thickening, or separation from the nail bed. However, brittle, concave nails with a spoon-like appearance are not typical findings of candida infections. Therefore, while recent candida infection may affect the nails, it is less likely to explain the specific appearance observed in this case.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Syncope is incorrect. Syncope, or fainting, can occur in individuals experiencing severe respiratory distress or hypoxia. Pursed-lip breathing is often used as a technique to manage dyspnea and improve oxygenation, which can help prevent syncope by ensuring adequate ventilation and oxygen delivery to the body's tissues. However, syncope is not the primary concern associated with the observation of pursed-lip breathing; instead, it is a potential consequence of inadequate oxygenation.
Choice B Reason:
Acute pain is not directly related to the observation of pursed-lip breathing. Pursed-lip breathing is a technique used to manage dyspnea and improve ventilation efficiency in individuals with respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma exacerbation. While pain can exacerbate respiratory distress in some cases, the primary focus when observing pursed-lip breathing is to assess and address respiratory status rather than pain management.
Choice C Reason:
Tetany is incorrect. Tetany, characterized by muscle spasms due to low calcium levels, is not directly associated with the observation of pursed-lip breathing. Pursed-lip breathing is a respiratory technique used to manage dyspnea and improve ventilation in individuals with respiratory conditions such as COPD or asthma. While respiratory distress can lead to various physiological responses, tetany is not a typical manifestation observed in individuals using pursed-lip breathing.
Choice D Reason:
Dyspnea is correct. Pursed-lip breathing is a technique often used by individuals with respiratory conditions to relieve shortness of breath and improve breathing efficiency. The primary reason for using pursed-lip breathing is to help alleviate dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, by promoting more effective exhalation and preventing airway collapse during expiration. Monitoring for dyspnea is crucial in this situation to assess the client's respiratory status, including the severity of breathing difficulty and any associated symptoms, and to guide further interventions to address the underlying cause of dyspnea. While syncope (fainting), acute pain, and tetany (muscle spasms due to low calcium levels) are potential concerns in certain clinical contexts, they are not directly associated with the observation of pursed-lip breathing. Therefore, dyspnea is the most relevant problem for the nurse to monitor in this scenario.
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