An adult client presents with gnawing epigastric pain. The pain is worse when the client is hungry and abates after eating something. Which problem do these symptoms suggest?

Esophagitis.

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD).

Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD).

Chronic pancreatitis.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

The symptoms described, including gnawing epigastric pain that worsens when hungry and improves after eating, are classic manifestations of peptic ulcer disease (PUD). Peptic ulcers are erosions in the mucosal lining of the stomach or duodenum, often caused by Helicobacter pylori infection or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The pain typically occurs when the stomach is empty and is relieved by food intake due to the buffering effect of food on gastric acid. This pattern of pain is known as "hunger pain" or "meal-related pain" and is characteristic of PUD.

A. Esophagitis:
Esophagitis refers to inflammation of the esophagus, often due to reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. Symptoms may include heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and chest pain, but the pain is typically not related to hunger and food intake as described in the scenario.

C. Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD):
GERD involves the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus, leading to symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and chest pain. While GERD can cause epigastric discomfort, the described pattern of pain worsening with hunger and improving after eating is more indicative of PUD.

D. Chronic pancreatitis:
Chronic pancreatitis is characterized by inflammation and irreversible damage to the pancreas, leading to persistent abdominal pain, often radiating to the back. While epigastric pain is a feature of chronic pancreatitis, the relief of pain after eating is not typically seen, making it less likely in this scenario.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) A 2-year-old who is demonstrating diaphragmatic breathing:
In young children, especially infants and toddlers, the PMI is typically easier to locate due to their smaller size and thinner chest wall. Diaphragmatic breathing, which is normal in infants and toddlers, does not necessarily interfere with locating the PMI.

B) A 45-year-old long distance runner with a body mass index (BMI) of 18 kg/m2:
A BMI within the normal range does not necessarily affect the ability to locate the PMI. Additionally, physical fitness, such as being a long-distance runner, may contribute to better cardiovascular health and clearer identification of the PMI.

C) A 75-year-old with a pneumothorax and a chest tube:
In clients with a pneumothorax and a chest tube, the presence of medical devices and underlying respiratory conditions may affect the ability to locate the PMI. However, the primary challenge here would likely be due to the presence of the chest tube rather than the client's age alone.

D) A 54-year-old who is 5 feet (152.4 cm) tall and weighs 300 pounds (136.1 kg):
In individuals who are significantly overweight or obese, locating the PMI may be challenging due to increased chest wall thickness and adipose tissue. The increased depth of tissue can make palpating the PMI more difficult, leading to anticipated difficulty in locating it accurately.

A. Deep, continuous pain in the calf muscles. B. Painful symptoms alleviated by warmth. C. Cool, pale skin below the knees. D. Decreased pain when legs are elevated.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Deep, continuous pain in the calf muscles:
Deep, continuous pain in the calf muscles is more indicative of conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) rather than venous insufficiency.

B. Painful symptoms alleviated by warmth:
Painful symptoms alleviated by warmth are more characteristic of arterial insufficiency, such as in peripheral arterial disease (PAD), rather than venous insufficiency.

C. Cool, pale skin below the knees:
Cool, pale skin below the knees is also more suggestive of arterial insufficiency rather than venous insufficiency. Arterial insufficiency often presents with decreased blood flow to the extremities, resulting in coolness and pallor.

D. Decreased pain when legs are elevated:
This is the correct answer. Venous insufficiency typically results in symptoms such as aching, tired legs, and swelling, which worsen with prolonged standing but improve with leg elevation. This is due to the reduction in venous pressure when the legs are elevated, which helps alleviate symptoms associated with venous congestion and stasis.

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An adult client presents with gnawing epigastric pain. The pain is worse when the client is hungry and abates after eating something. Which problem do these symptoms suggest?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse should anticipate difficulty locating the point of maximal impulse (PMI) in which client? Reference Range: Body mass index (BMI) Normal or healthy weight (18.5 kg/m2 to 24.9 kg/m2)]

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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