The nurse is obtaining a health history for a client wishing to obtain a life insurance policy. When evaluating the abdomen, the client reports taking several antacids for heartburn that only occurs at night. Which additional finding associated with gastroesophageal reflux should the nurse ask the client to identify?

Hyperactive bowel sounds are present in all quadrants.

Small frequent meals cause heartburn to worsen.

Heartburn occurs when lying down at night.

Bowel movements are light grey and chalky.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A.   Hyperactive bowel sounds are not typically associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). They are more indicative of gastrointestinal disturbances such as increased bowel activity or a bowel obstruction. Since the client's symptoms are related to heartburn, assessing bowel sounds is less relevant to GERD. This choice does not provide useful information for diagnosing or managing GERD.
B.   This option is not commonly associated with GERD. In fact, small frequent meals are often recommended as a management strategy for GERD to reduce the occurrence of heartburn, as large meals can exacerbate symptoms by increasing stomach pressure. This choice does not align with typical GERD management strategies and may not be a useful symptom to assess in this context.
C.   This finding is highly relevant for GERD. Heartburn that occurs or worsens when lying down, especially at night, is a classic symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease. When a person lies flat, stomach acid can more easily flow back into the esophagus due to decreased gravitational pressure, leading to heartburn. Identifying this symptom helps confirm GERD and guides management strategies, such as elevating the head while sleeping or avoiding late meals.
D.   Light grey and chalky stools are indicative of issues related to bile production and could suggest a problem with the liver or biliary system rather than GERD. This symptom is not associated with GERD and would be more relevant in assessing conditions such as biliary obstruction or liver disease.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. While a 24-hour diet history can provide valuable information about a person's dietary intake, it may not accurately reflect their long-term nutritional habits. Additionally, some individuals may underreport or overreport their food intake.
B. A person's current appetite can be affected by various factors, including illness, medication, and emotional state. It may not be a reliable indicator of long-term nutritional status.
C. While weight loss can be a sign of nutritional problems, it is not always indicative of a deficiency. Other factors, such as increased physical activity or illness, can also contribute to weight loss.
D. The condition of hair, nails, and skin can provide valuable clues about a person's nutritional status.
For example, dry, brittle hair and nails, as well as pale or scaly skin, can be signs of nutrient deficiencies such as iron, vitamin B12, or protein deficiency. These visible signs can be more indicative of long-term nutritional deficiencies than other factors.

A. "No, of course not." B. "I smoked marijuana before, but only once." C. "What would you classify as recreational?" D. "I've been known to on occasion."

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. This response is a straightforward denial. It reflects a direct and possibly automatic answer that the client does not use recreational drugs. However, this type of response might be influenced by the phrasing of the question, which could lead the client to respond in a way that aligns with what they perceive as socially acceptable or expected.
B. This response indicates that the client acknowledges past use of a recreational drug (marijuana) but minimizes its frequency and significance. The response suggests that the phrasing of the question might have led the client to clarify their past behavior, showing an attempt to be honest while downplaying the extent of use.

C. This response suggests that the client is seeking clarification on what the term "recreational drugs" includes. The question might have been vague or broad, prompting the client to ask for a definition or to specify which substances are considered recreational drugs. This response indicates that the client might be unsure about whether their drug use falls into the category of recreational drugs.
D. This response implies that the client does use recreational drugs but does so infrequently or sporadically. It suggests a level of acknowledgment of occasional use without providing specifics. This type of answer might reflect that the client is uncomfortable with a direct yes/no response and opts for a more ambiguous acknowledgment.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is conducting a physical assessment of a young adult. Which information provides the best indication of the individual's nutritional status?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

While performing a health history the nurse asks the client, "You don't use recreational drugs, do you?" This approach is most likely to elicit which response from the client?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

An older adult client with a history of heart failure (HF) is brought to the clinic by a family member. Which finding(s) confirm to the nurse that the client is experiencing an exacerbation of the HP? Select all that apply.

When entering a male client's room, the nurse observes that he is splinting his chest with a pillow. Which follow-up assessment should the nurse complete?

When assessing a client's skin, which finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider?

A client is concerned about developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Which screening technique should the nurse perform to provide the client with useful information?

The nurse is completing an assessment for a client with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (DM) who came to the clinic reporting frequent, painful urination. Which screening test should the nurse perform first?

The nurse is assessing an ulcer on a client's lower extremity, which is likely the result of either venous or arterial insufficiency. Which assessment technique should the nurse use to differentiate the pathophysiology causing the ulcer?

In reading a client's record, the nurse notes that the client is experiencing tinnitus. Which assessment provides the nurse with the information needed to evaluate the effects of this condition?