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?
Chronic pancreatitis.
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD).
Esophagitis.
Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD).
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason:
Chronic pancreatitis is incorrect. Chronic pancreatitis typically presents with persistent, dull abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, often aggravated by eating rather than relieved by it. The pain associated with chronic pancreatitis is not typically described as gnawing or relieved by eating.
Choice B Reason:
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is correct. Peptic ulcer disease involves the development of open sores (ulcers) in the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcers) or the upper part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcers). The pain associated with PUD typically occurs in the epigastric region (upper abdomen) and can be described as gnawing, burning, or dull. The pain tends to worsen when the stomach is empty (hunger pains) and is relieved by eating or taking antacids. These symptoms are due to the increase in gastric acid secretion, which exacerbates the ulcer's irritation when the stomach is empty and is neutralized when food buffers the acid. Therefore, the presentation described is consistent with peptic ulcer disease (PUD).
Choice C Reason:
Esophagitis is incorrect. Esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus and may present with symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, or chest pain behind the breastbone. However, the symptoms described, particularly the worsening of pain when hungry and improvement after eating, are not typical of esophagitis.
Choice D Reason:
Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is incorrect. While gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause epigastric discomfort or heartburn, the symptoms described in the scenario are more indicative of pain related to hunger and relief after eating, which is more characteristic of peptic ulcer disease (PUD). Additionally, GERD symptoms are typically worsened by eating, lying down, or bending over, rather than improved.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Coronary heart disease is incorrect. Coronary heart disease is primarily associated with cardiovascular symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. While some nail changes may occur in individuals with coronary heart disease due to decreased oxygenation, brittle, concave nails are not a typical manifestation of this condition. Therefore, this option is less likely to explain the appearance of the nails.
Choice B Reason:
Iron deficiency anemia is correct. Iron deficiency anemia is characterized by a lack of iron in the body, leading to decreased production of hemoglobin and red blood cells. One of the classic nail findings associated with iron deficiency anemia is koilonychia, which presents as brittle, concave nails with a spoon-like appearance. This is due to structural changes in the nails caused by the deficiency of iron. Therefore, this option is the most likely explanation for the observed nail changes.
Choice C Reason:
Diabetes mellitus is incorrect. Diabetes mellitus can lead to various dermatologic manifestations, including nail changes such as thickening, discoloration, and slow nail growth. However, brittle, concave nails with a spoon-like appearance are not typically associated with diabetes mellitus. Therefore, while diabetes mellitus may affect the nails, it is less likely to explain the specific appearance observed in this case.
Choice D Reason:
Recent candida infection is incorrect. Candida infections, particularly in the nail folds (paronychia), can lead to changes in the nails such as discoloration, thickening, or separation from the nail bed. However, brittle, concave nails with a spoon-like appearance are not typical findings of candida infections. Therefore, while recent candida infection may affect the nails, it is less likely to explain the specific appearance observed in this case.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Sending the sample for laboratory evaluation is incorrect. Sending the urine sample for laboratory evaluation is a standard procedure to assess for any abnormalities, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney function, or other urinary tract disorders. While laboratory evaluation of the urine sample is important for diagnostic purposes, the client's difficulty providing an adequate urine sample suggests an underlying issue that needs to be addressed before obtaining a sample.
Choice B Reason:
Giving the client 8 ounces (236.5 mL) of water to drink is incorrect. Offering the client water to drink is a common intervention to encourage urine production and facilitate urine sample collection, particularly if the client is dehydrated or has difficulty producing a sample. However, given the client's symptoms of lower abdominal discomfort, frequent urination, and difficulty providing a urine sample despite efforts, simply offering water may not adequately address the underlying issue of potential bladder distention.
Choice C Reason:
Evaluating the client for bladder distention is correct. The client's symptoms of lower abdominal discomfort, frequent urination, and difficulty providing a urine sample after an extended period of time, along with returning with only a few drops of urine, are suggestive of potential bladder distention. Evaluating the client for bladder distention involves assessing for signs such as a visibly enlarged and palpable bladder, suprapubic discomfort or pain, and percussion of the bladder to assess for dullness, indicating fluid accumulation. Addressing bladder distention is essential to ensure the client's comfort and prevent complications associated with urinary retention.
Choice D Reason:
Instructing the client to attempt to urinate again is incorrect. Instructing the client to attempt to urinate again may be a reasonable intervention if the bladder is not distended and the client is simply having difficulty producing a urine sample. However, given the client's symptoms and the difficulty providing an adequate urine sample despite previous attempts, simply instructing the client to try again may not address the underlying issue of potential bladder distention. Evaluating for bladder distention is necessary to determine the appropriate course of action and ensure the client's comfort and safety.
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.
