The nurse is caring for a client who has a peptic ulcer that is actively bleeding. Which finding would the nurse Immediately report to the physician?
hemoglobin 7.8
blood pressure = 118/78
occult blood in stool
epigastric pain that is worse on palpation
The Correct Answer is A
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A . Bacterial infection is the most common cause of cystitis. The majority of cases of cystitis are caused by bacteria, most commonly Escherichia coli (E. coli). Bacteria can enter the urinary tract through the urethra and multiply in the bladder, leading to inflammation and symptoms of cystitis such as urinary urgency, frequency, and burning with urination.
B, C, D While other options such as fungal, parasitic, or viral infections can cause cystitis in certain cases, they are less common compared to bacterial infections.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. The initial clinical manifestation associated with an obstruction in the duodenum is crampy abdominal pain, wavelike, and colicky. This discomfort occurs due to the blockage of the small intestine, leading to spasms and pain as the body tries to move contents past the obstruction.
A. Severe abdominal distention and cramping can occur with various gastrointestinal conditions, including an obstruction in the duodenum. However, this manifestation is not specific to duodenal obstruction and can occur with obstructions at other locations in the gastrointestinal tract.
B. Vomiting of fecal material, known as feculent vomiting, is a hallmark sign of a complete obstruction in the lower gastrointestinal tract.
C. Ribbon-like stools are more commonly associated with conditions affecting the lower gastrointestinal tract, such as colorectal cancer or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
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