A nurse is teaching student nurses about different types of medical conditions that affect the gastrointestinal system, when a student asks her about the cause of esophageal varices. What is an appropriate answer by the nurse when asked about a potential cause of esophageal varices?
"Obesity has been a known cause of esophageal varices"
"It is caused by smoking"
"It is caused by high blood pressure"
"It is caused by chronic liver disease"
The Correct Answer is D
A. While obesity can contribute to various health issues, it is not a direct cause of esophageal varices.
B. Smoking is harmful to overall health, but it is not specifically known to cause esophageal varices.
C. High blood pressure, especially systemic hypertension, is not a direct cause of esophageal varices. However, portal hypertension, which can be caused by liver disease, is the main factor in the development of esophageal varices.
D. Chronic liver disease, particularly cirrhosis, leads to portal hypertension, which in turn causes the veins in the esophagus to become engorged and prone to bleeding, resulting in esophageal varices. This is the most appropriate cause for esophageal varices.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis) may cause symptoms like heartburn or dysphagia, but it would not explain the sudden, sharp pain or rigid abdomen seen with a perforated ulcer.
B. An intestinal obstruction can cause abdominal pain and distension, but the rigid, board-like abdomen is more characteristic of peritonitis from a perforated ulcer, not an obstruction.
C. Additional ulcers could cause pain and bleeding, but they would not explain the sudden, sharp pain and rigid abdomen that typically result from perforation.
D. The sudden onset of sharp, severe pain in the mid epigastric area, along with a rigid, board-like abdomen, are hallmark signs of a perforated ulcer, which causes peritonitis. This is a medical emergency, as the perforation allows gastric contents to leak into the peritoneal cavity, leading to widespread infection.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Encouraging coughing and deep breathing is important for promoting the clearance of respiratory secretions. However, while it aids in mobilizing secretions, it does not directly thin the mucus.
B. Frequent ambulation helps to improve overall lung function and prevent complications like pneumonia, but it does not specifically thin respiratory secretions.
C. Increasing fluid intake helps thin the respiratory secretions by providing hydration, making it easier for the body to expel mucus through coughing. Hydration is critical for reducing the viscosity of sputum, thus promoting its removal.
D. Regular use of the incentive spirometer helps prevent atelectasis and improve lung expansion but does not directly affect the thinning of respiratory secretions.
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