The nurse is caring for a client who has a history of peptic ulcer disease and is being admitted to the hospital with clinical manifestations of a perforation. Which finding by the nurse would best Indicate that perforation has occurred?
Numbness in the legs
Rebound tenderness on abdominal palpation
Projectile vomiting of undigested food
Jaundice of the skin and sclera
The Correct Answer is B
B. Rebound tenderness on abdominal palpation: Rebound tenderness, where pain increases upon release of pressure during abdominal palpation, is a classic sign of peritonitis, which can occur due to a peptic ulcer perforation. It indicates irritation of the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity, which can occur when stomach contents leak into the peritoneal cavity.
A. Numbness in the legs is not typically associated with perforation of a peptic ulcer. Perforation of a peptic ulcer usually presents with localized abdominal symptoms rather than symptoms in the legs.
C. Projectile vomiting of undigested food is not typically associated with perforation of a peptic ulcer. It is more commonly seen in conditions such as pyloric stenosis or gastrointestinal obstruction.
D. Jaundice, a yellow discoloration of the skin and sclera, is not typically associated with perforation of a peptic ulcer.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. The expected effect of TPN is to maintain or promote weight gain in clients who are unable to meet their nutritional needs orally. TPN provides essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream, allowing for adequate caloric intake to support energy needs and promote tissue repair and growth.
A. A serum white blood cell count of 16,000/mm3 indicates leukocytosis, which may suggest infection or inflammation rather than a direct effect of TPN.
B. Pre-albumin is a marker of nutritional status, and levels below 10 mg/dl typically indicate malnutrition rather than a positive response to TPN.
D. Negative nitrogen balance occurs when the body loses more nitrogen than it gains, typically due to inadequate protein intake or increased protein breakdown. TPN provides amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein, and aims to promote a positive nitrogen balance to support tissue repair and growth.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Hemoglobin 7.8: This finding indicates a low hemoglobin level, which suggests significant blood loss, likely due to the actively bleeding peptic ulcer. Hemoglobin levels below normal can indicate anemia, and a level of 7.8 is particularly concerning. This finding should be immediately reported to the physician because it suggests ongoing bleeding and the need for intervention to stabilize the client's hemoglobin levels and prevent further complications such as hypovolemic shock.
B. Blood pressure = 118/78: This blood pressure reading falls within the normal range for most adults. While monitoring blood pressure is important, this finding alone may not be immediately concerning in the context of a bleeding peptic ulcer.
C. The presence of occult blood in the stool suggests gastrointestinal bleeding, which is consistent with the actively bleeding peptic ulcer. While this finding is significant, it may not require immediate reporting to the physician as it is expected in the context of the client's condition.
D. Epigastric pain is a common symptom of peptic ulcer disease, and worsening pain on palpation may indicate peritonitis or perforation, which are serious complications of peptic ulcers. However, if the pain is severe or associated with signs of peritonitis it should be promptly reported to the physician for further evaluation and management.
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