A patient admitted with a peptic ulcer has a nasogastric (NG) tube in place. When the patient develops sudden, severe upper abdominal pain, diaphoresis, and a firm abdomen, which action should the nurse take?
Irrigate the NG tube.
Elevate the foot of the bed.
Give the ordered antacid.
Check the vital signs.
The Correct Answer is D
The nurse should quickly assess the patient's vital signs to check for signs of shock and instability. If the vital signs are unstable, the nurse should initiate appropriate interventions to stabilize the patient, such as administering oxygen, starting IV fluids, and providing continuous cardiac monitoring. Based on the sudden onset of severe upper abdominal pain, diaphoresis, and a firm abdomen, the nurse should suspect a possible perforation or bleeding related to the peptic ulcer. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize notifying the healthcare provider and preparing the patient for urgent medical evaluation.
Option A, irrigating the NG tube, is not appropriate in this situation and may further exacerbate the patient's condition if the ulcer has perforated.
Option B, elevating the foot of the bed, is also not appropriate as it does not address the patient's current symptoms.
Option C, giving the ordered antacid, may not be effective in addressing the severity of the patient's symptoms and should be postponed until the healthcare provider has evaluated the patient.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","E","F"]
Explanation
The other options are not typically used in the treatment of thyroid storm. Captopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used for hypertension and congestive heart failure, amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic drug used for cardiac arrhythmias, and aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain relief and fever reduction.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Prochlorperazine is an antiemetic medication that is commonly used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by various conditions, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Giving the medication before the dressing changes, can prevent or minimize the onset of nausea and vomiting, which can be triggered by the pain and anxiety associated with the procedure.
Option B, keeping the patient NPO (nothing by mouth) for 2 hours before dressing changes, may be helpful in reducing the risk of aspiration if the patient needs sedation or general anesthesia for the procedure. However, it is not directly related to reducing the patient's nausea.
Option C, avoiding performing dressing changes close to the patient's mealtimes, may help reduce the risk of nausea caused by an overly full stomach, but it is not directly related to reducing the patient's nausea during the procedure.
Option D, administering prescribed morphine sulfate before dressing changes, may help reduce the patient's pain during the procedure, but it may also increase the risk of nausea and vomiting as a side effect. Therefore, this option may not be the most useful in decreasing the patient's nausea.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.