Which signs and symptoms would the nurse expect to find in the history of a patient that is going for a Nissen Fundoplication surgery?

A. Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial and parasitic infections, including those caused by organisms like Giardia and some anaerobic bacteria. While it may be appropriate if a specific diagnosis indicates its use, it is not the first action without further evaluation.
B. Loperamide is an antidiarrheal medication that slows intestinal movement and can help alleviate diarrhea. However, using loperamide in cases of suspected infectious diarrhea (especially if due to a bacterial or parasitic cause) can worsen the condition by keeping pathogens in the system longer. It is generally not the first choice in such scenarios.
C. A complete blood count (CBC) can provide information about the patient's overall health and help identify signs of infection (like elevated white blood cell counts). However, this diagnostic test is not an immediate intervention to manage the patient's current symptoms.
D. Collecting a stool sample is crucial to identify the causative organism responsible for the diarrhea, especially given the recent consumption of undercooked meat. This step is important for guiding appropriate treatment, as it will help determine whether an infectious agent is present and what specific treatment may be required.

A. Constipation can be uncomfortable and may require management, but it is not typically a direct complication of peptic ulcer disease. While it is important to address, it does not pose an immediate threat to the client’s health.

B. Epigastric discomfort is a common symptom of peptic ulcer disease and can indicate that the ulcer is active or that the patient is experiencing gastric distress. However, it does not indicate a severe or life- threatening condition and should be managed but is not a priority finding.
C. Hematemesis, or vomiting blood, is a serious symptom that indicates possible bleeding from the ulcer. This is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical intervention, as it can lead to significant blood loss and complications such as shock.
D. Dyspepsia refers to general digestive discomfort, which may include symptoms like bloating, nausea, and heartburn. While it is a common symptom in peptic ulcer disease, it does not indicate an urgent medical condition.