A male patient is admitted to the hospital with complaints of epigastric pain, which he describes as burning and gnawing. The pain occurs 2-3 hours after eating and is somewhat relieved by food or antacids. He has a history of smoking and occasional alcohol use. Upon assessment, the patient exhibits tenderness in the epigastric region, and his vital signs are stable. The patient is diagnosed with a peptic ulcer disease (PUD). Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing intervention for this patient?
Administer a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) as prescribed to decrease gastric acid production
Provide a diet high in fiber and low in fat to promote gastrointestinal health.
Encourage the patient to eat small, frequent meals to prevent the secretion of gastric acid.
Instruct the patient to increase the intake of dairy products to help neutralize stomach acid.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Administer a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) as prescribed to decrease gastric acid production: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a cornerstone of therapy for peptic ulcer disease as they effectively reduce gastric acid production, which helps the ulcer heal and relieves symptoms.
B. Provide a diet high in fiber and low in fat to promote gastrointestinal health: A high-fiber diet is not specifically indicated for PUD. While diet modifications may help, managing gastric acid production and avoiding irritants is more critical.
C. Encourage the patient to eat small, frequent meals to prevent the secretion of gastric acid: Although small, frequent meals may help some patients, they are not as effective in managing PUD compared to PPIs. Additionally, frequent eating can stimulate gastric acid production in some cases.
D. Instruct the patient to increase the intake of dairy products to help neutralize stomach acid:
Dairy products can initially neutralize stomach acid, but they can also stimulate further acid production, which may worsen symptoms in the long term. This is not recommended for managing PUD.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Low back pain: While this can be a symptom of a UTI, it is not unique to older adults and can be seen in various age groups.
B. Confusion: In older adults, UTIs often present with atypical symptoms, such as confusion or delirium, rather than the classic symptoms like dysuria or frequency. This can be a sign of infection in this population.
C. Urinary retention: This is not specific to UTIs in older adults and can occur for other reasons, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
D. Incontinence: Although older adults may experience incontinence, it is not a unique sign of UTI and could be related to other conditions like weakened pelvic muscles.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Dumping Syndrome: Dumping syndrome is a common complication following gastrectomy, where food moves too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine. Symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, and sweating, particularly after meals, are characteristic of this condition.
B. Peptic Ulcer Disease: While this can occur after gastrectomy, it typically presents with epigastric pain rather than weakness and dizziness after eating.
C. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD typically presents with heartburn and acid regurgitation, not the postprandial weakness and sweating seen in dumping syndrome.
D. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS symptoms usually include bloating, abdominal discomfort, and altered bowel habits, which are different from the described symptoms.
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