A nurse is performing the initial history and physical examination of a patient diagnosed with a duodenal ulcer. Which type of pain does the nurse expect the patient to describe?
Pain that is worse with antacids.
Pain that is worse one hour after eating.
Pain is relieved with eating.
Pain that is relieved with sleep.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Antacids are typically used to neutralize stomach acid, which can provide relief for ulcer-related pain. If the pain worsens with antacids, it may suggest another underlying issue, such as a gastric ulcer or a different gastrointestinal condition.
B. This statement is more typical of gastric ulcers, where pain may occur shortly after eating due to increased gastric acid secretion. In duodenal ulcers, pain typically occurs a few hours after meals.
C. Duodenal ulcer pain often improves with eating because food temporarily buffers stomach acid, which can provide relief. Patients may find that their pain is relieved for a time after eating, as the food helps protect the ulcer.
D. This statement is not typically associated with duodenal ulcers. While some patients may experience variations in pain during the night, the relief during sleep is not a characteristic feature. The pain is usually more related to the timing of meals rather than sleep.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial and parasitic infections, including those caused by organisms like Giardia and some anaerobic bacteria. While it may be appropriate if a specific diagnosis indicates its use, it is not the first action without further evaluation.
B. Loperamide is an antidiarrheal medication that slows intestinal movement and can help alleviate diarrhea. However, using loperamide in cases of suspected infectious diarrhea (especially if due to a bacterial or parasitic cause) can worsen the condition by keeping pathogens in the system longer. It is generally not the first choice in such scenarios.
C. A complete blood count (CBC) can provide information about the patient's overall health and help identify signs of infection (like elevated white blood cell counts). However, this diagnostic test is not an immediate intervention to manage the patient's current symptoms.
D. Collecting a stool sample is crucial to identify the causative organism responsible for the diarrhea, especially given the recent consumption of undercooked meat. This step is important for guiding appropriate treatment, as it will help determine whether an infectious agent is present and what specific treatment may be required.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Sudden and severe abdominal pain is a classic sign of gastrointestinal perforation. When an ulcer perforates, it allows gastric contents to spill into the abdominal cavity, leading to irritation and inflammation of the peritoneum (peritonitis). This can cause acute, intense pain that often starts suddenly and is typically localized to the area of the perforation.
B. Hyperactive bowel sounds may occur due to irritation or inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract but are not a definitive indicator of perforation. In fact, with perforation, bowel sounds may be diminished or absent due to the associated peritonitis and ileus that can occur after a perforation.
C. Bradycardia (a slow heart rate) is not a typical finding associated with gastrointestinal perforation. In fact, perforation often leads to tachycardia (increased heart rate) as a compensatory response to pain, shock, or blood loss. Bradycardia may indicate other issues but is not directly linked to perforation.
D. Increased blood pressure is also not typically associated with gastrointestinal perforation. Patients may experience hypotension due to shock from blood loss and infection resulting from perforation.
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