A client with peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is admitted to the medical unit. Which assessment finding requires the most immediate intervention by the nurse?

A haemoglobin of 12 g/dL (7.45 mmol/L) and haematocrit of 42% (0.42 volume fraction).

Vital signs are temperature 99.0°F (37.2°C) orally, heart rate 94 beats/minute, respirations 18 breaths/minute, blood pressure 110/70 mm Hg.

Vomits coffee-grounds emesis.

Reports having sharp epigastric pain.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: A haemoglobin level of 12 g/dL (7.45 mmol/L) and haematocrit of 42% (0.42 volume fraction) are slightly lower than the reference range but not critically low. This finding is important and needs to be monitored, but it does not require the most immediate intervention.

Choice B reason: The vital signs provided are within normal limits and do not indicate an urgent or life-threatening condition. These should be monitored, but they do not require immediate intervention compared to other findings.

Choice C reason: Vomiting coffee-grounds emesis is a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding, specifically indicating that blood has been in the stomach long enough to be partially digested by stomach acid, giving it a coffee-grounds appearance. This is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical intervention to stop the bleeding and prevent further complications.

Choice D reason: Sharp epigastric pain is a common symptom of peptic ulcer disease and indicates inflammation or ulceration. While it is painful and concerning, it does not require the most immediate intervention compared to active gastrointestinal bleeding.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Carbidopa-levodopa does not primarily reduce the inflammatory process. Its main action is related to dopamine synthesis and availability.

Choice B reason: Carbidopa-levodopa does not slow scarring in the myelin sheath. This medication targets dopamine deficiency, not myelin health.

Choice C reason: Carbidopa-levodopa increases the amount of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is crucial for motor control. Parkinson's disease is characterized by dopamine deficiency, and this medication helps to replenish dopamine levels, improving muscle function and reducing symptoms like tremors and stiffness.

Choice D reason: Carbidopa-levodopa is not an antiseizure medication. It is specifically used to manage the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease by addressing dopamine deficiency.

A. Haematocrit of 30% (0.30 volume fraction). B. Facial puffiness and periorbital enema. C. Further decline in level of consciousness. D. Cold and dry skin.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: A haematocrit of 30% is below the normal range and indicates anaemia, which is common in hypothyroidism. However, it does not require immediate intervention compared to a decline in consciousness.

Choice B reason: Facial puffiness and periorbital enema are common signs of hypothyroidism but do not require immediate intervention. They are more indicative of chronic, rather than acute, issues.

Choice C reason: A further decline in level of consciousness is critical and warrants immediate action. It can indicate a myxoedema coma, a severe complication of hypothyroidism that is life-threatening and requires urgent treatment.

Choice D reason: Cold and dry skin is a common symptom of hypothyroidism but does not require immediate intervention compared to a decline in consciousness.

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A client with peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is admitted to the medical unit. Which assessment finding requires the most immediate intervention by the nurse?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

When teaching a client with Parkinson's disease, which rationale for the prescription of carbidopa-levodopa should the nurse include?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client who has a history of hypothyroidism was admitted with lethargy and confusion. Which additional finding warrants immediate action by the nurse?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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