A client shares with the nurse concerns of a possible stomach ulcer. The client is experiencing heartburn and a dull gnawing pain that is relieved with eating. Which is the best response by the nurse?
Encourage the client to obtain a complete physical exam, since these symptoms are consistent with an ulcer.
Advise the client that he needs to seek immediate medical evaluation and treatment of these symptoms.
Assure the client that his symptoms may only reflect reflux, since ulcer pain is not relieved with food.
Instruct the client that these mild symptoms can generally be controlled with changes in his diet.
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale:
A. Encourage the client to obtain a complete physical exam, since these symptoms are consistent with an ulcer: The client’s symptoms are typical of a duodenal ulcer. A full evaluation allows for appropriate diagnosis and treatment without causing alarm.
B. Advise the client that he needs to seek immediate medical evaluation and treatment of these symptoms: Immediate evaluation is not warranted unless the client has signs of bleeding, perforation, or severe distress. A timely but routine follow-up is appropriate for stable symptoms.
C. Assure the client that his symptoms may only reflect reflux, since ulcer pain is not relieved with food: Duodenal ulcer pain is classically relieved by eating, while gastric ulcer pain may worsen with food. Dismissing the symptoms as reflux could delay interventions.
D. Instruct the client that these mild symptoms can generally be controlled with changes in his diet: While diet can influence ulcer symptoms, assuming dietary change alone is sufficient may delay proper medical evaluation and necessary pharmacologic treatment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"C"},"B":{"answers":"B"},"C":{"answers":"C"},"D":{"answers":"B,C"},"E":{"answers":"B"},"F":{"answers":"A,B,C"}}
Explanation
Rationale:
- Avoidance: Avoidance of reminders of the trauma, including people, places, or conversations related to the event, is a core diagnostic criterion for PTSD. The client avoids visiting fellow platoon members, suggesting avoidance behavior linked to her combat trauma.
- Suicidal ideation: Thoughts of death or suicide are hallmark symptoms of MDD. The client was found writing a suicide note and planning to shoot herself, which strongly supports the diagnosis of MDD.
- Nightmares: Recurrent distressing dreams or nightmares related to the traumatic event are common in PTSD. The client reports frequent nightmares linked to her war experience.
- Feelings of guilt: Excessive guilt is common in MDD, often irrational and self-deprecating. In PTSD, survivors’ guilt is prevalent, especially when others died in the traumatic event, as expressed by the client lamenting that her life was spared over her comrades'.
- Lack of interest: Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities is a core symptom of MDD. The client’s withdrawal from social connections reflects this loss of interest.
- Sleep disturbance: Insomnia is prevalent in GAD due to excessive worry, in MDD due to mood dysregulation, and in PTSD due to nightmares and hyperarousal. The client’s reported insomnia applies to all three conditions.
Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Ask the client if someone brought her to the clinic: This may be useful in a general assessment but is not directly relevant to the client's urinary symptoms, bruising, or potential abuse concerns. It does not guide immediate care.
B. Review list of daily medications for aspirin or other anticoagulants: Ecchymoses may indicate increased bleeding risk, especially in older adults on aspirin or anticoagulants. Reviewing medications helps determine if bruising is medication-related or from trauma.
C. Question her if she previously or currently uses any illicit drugs: There’s no clinical indicator pointing toward drug use. This line of questioning may be inappropriate or unnecessary unless other findings support it.
D. Inquire if she is being emotionally or physically abused: Unexplained bruising, especially in older adults, can signal possible abuse. The nurse should screen for abuse sensitively and privately.
E. Determine number of sexual partners she has had recently: Given her report of sexual activity and urinary burning, assessing recent sexual history helps guide further STI screening and urinary symptom evaluation.
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