Gastrointestinal NCLEX-PN 6th edition

The nurse has given the client with hepatitis instructions about postdischarge management during convalescence. The nurse determines that the client needs further teaching if the client makes which statement?

"I should resume a full activity within 1 week."

A client is admitted to an acute care facility with complications of celiac disease. Which question should be helpful initially in obtaining information for the nursing care plan?

"What is your understanding of celiac disease?"

The nurse is assisting in caring for a client with a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube. Which article should the nurse place at the bedside?

Scissors

The nurse is collecting data about how well a client with a gastrointestinal (GI) disorder is able to absorb food. While carrying out this function, the nurse recalls that absorption is defined as which?

The transfer of digested food molecules from the GI tract into the bloodstream

The nurse is caring for a client with esophageal varices who is going to have a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube inserted. The nurse brings which priority item to the bedside so that it is available at all times?

A pair of scissors

After a liver biopsy, the nurse should place the client in which position?

A right side-lying with a small pillow or folded towel under the puncture site

The nurse notes that the medical record of a client with cirrhosis states that the client has asterixis. To verify this information the nurse should take which action?

Ask the client to extend the arms

The nurse is reviewing the record of a client with Crohn's disease. Which stool characteristic should the nurse expect to see documented in the record?

Diarrhea

A client with possible hiatal hernia complains of frequent heartburn and regurgitation. The nurse should gather further information about the presence of which sign or symptom?

Difficulty swallowing

A client with a possible hiatal hernia complains of difficulty swallowing. Which other sign/symptom is associated with a hiatal hernia?

Heartburn and regurgitation

A nurse planning care for a client with hepatitis plans to meet the client's safety needs by performing which action?

Monitoring prothrombin and partial thromboplastin values

A generally healthy 63-year-old man is seen in the health care provider's office for a routine examination. Which statement made by the client is important for the nurse to follow up on?

"Everyone in my immediate family has died from gastrointestinal cancer."

A sexually active 20-year-old client has developed viral hepatitis. Which statement made by the client would indicate a need for teaching?

"I can never drink alcohol again."

A client is seen in the ambulatory care office for a routine examination. Which statement by the client would be important for the nurse to follow up?

"I just lost a family member to gastrointestinal cancer."

A calcium supplement is prescribed for a client with hypoparathyroidism in the management of hypocalcemia. The client arrives at the clinic for a follow-up visit and complains of chronic constipation, and the nurse reinforces instructions to the client about measures to alleviate the constipation. Which comment by the client would indicate a need for further teaching?

"I need to add 0.5 ounce of mineral oil to my daily diet."

The nurse is collecting data from a client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of suspected gastric ulcer and is asking the client questions about pain. Which statement made by the client supports the diagnosis of gastric ulcer?

"My pain comes shortly after I eat, maybe a half hour or so later."

Which statement by the spouse of a client with end-stage liver failure indicates the need for further teaching by the multidisciplinary team regarding the management of pain?

"This opioid will cause very deep sleep, which is what my husband needs."

The nurse is checking a client for the correct placement of a nasogastric (NG) tube. The nurse aspirates the client's stomach contents and checks its pH level. Which pH value indicates the correct placement of the tube?

3.5

A client with Crohn's disease has a prescription to begin taking antispasmodic medication. The nurse should time the medication so that each dose is taken at which time?

30 minutes before meals

A client with a history of gastrointestinal upset has been diagnosed with acute diverticulitis. To aid the client in symptom management, the nurse suggests which diet?

A low fiber diet

The nurse is reviewing the prescriptions of a client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Which interventions should the nurse expect to note? Select all that apply.

Administer antacids, as prescribed Encourage coughing and deep breathing Administer anticholinergics, as prescribed

A client arrives at the emergency department and complains of severe abdominal pain. The initial diagnosis is acute abdomen, and an x-ray and an abdominal ultrasonogram are prescribed to be obtained immediately. The nurse prepares the client for these diagnostic tests and reviews the health care provider's prescriptions. Which prescription should the nurse question if written on the health care provider's prescription form?

Administration of an opioid analgesic

A client is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. The nurse plans care, knowing that which problem occurs with this disorder?

Alteration in comfort related to abdominal pain

The nurse gathers data from a client admitted to the hospital with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who is scheduled for a Nissen fundoplication. Based on an understanding of this disease, the nurse determines that the client may be at risk for which complication?

Aspiration

A client with viral hepatitis states to the nurse, "I am so yellow." The nurse should take which action?

Assist the client in expressing feelings

The nurse is getting a client who underwent umbilical hernia repair ready for discharge. The nurse tells the client that it is important to continue to do which action after discharge?

Avoid coughing

The nurse is reinforcing instructions to a client and his family about alcohol abuse and chronic cirrhosis. The nurse knows to include which essential elements in the discharge teaching guide? Select all that apply.

Avoid potentially hepatotoxic over-the-counter drugs Teach symptoms of complications and when to seek prompt medical attention Explain that cirrhosis of the liver is a chronic illness and the importance of continuous health care Avoid spicy and rough foods and activities that increase portal pressure such as straining at stool, coughing, sneezing and vomiting

A client has undergone esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). The nurse places highest priority on which action as part of the client's care plan?

Checking for return of a gag reflex

The nurse is collecting data about how well a client with a gastrointestinal (GI) disorder is able to digest food. Which processes are involved in the complete digestive process? Select all that apply.

Chemical Absorption Mechanical Active Transport

The nurse is reinforcing medication instructions to a client with peptic ulcer disease. Which represents correct information given by the nurse?

Cimetidine (Tagamet) results in decreased secretion of stomach acid

The nurse has a prescription to give 30 mL of an antacid to a client through a nasogastric (NG) tube that is connected to wall suction. The nurse should do which action to perform this procedure correctly?

Clamp the NG tube for 30 minutes following administration of the medication

A client receiving a high cleansing enema complains of pain and cramping. The nurse should take which corrective action?

Clamp the tubing for 30 seconds and restart the flow at a slower rate

A health care provider places a Miller-Abbott tube in a client who has a bowel obstruction. Six hours later, the nurse measures the length of the tube outside of the nares and notes that the tube has advanced 6 cm since it was first placed. Based on this finding, which action should the nurse take next?

Document the finding in the client's record

A client is resuming a diet after partial gastrectomy. To minimize complications, the nurse should tell the client to avoid which practice?

Drinking liquids with meals

The nurse is collecting admission data on the client with hepatitis. Which finding would be a direct result of this client's condition?

Drowsiness

The nurse is reinforcing dietary instructions for a client with peptic ulcer disease. Which action does the nurse encourage the client to do?

Eat anything as long as it does not aggravate or cause pain

The nurse who is reinforcing instructions to a client following gastric resection should include which suggestions? Select all that apply.

Eat small frequent meals Take action to prevent dumping syndrome

A client who has undergone a subtotal gastrectomy is being prepared for discharge. Which items concerning ongoing self-management should the nurse reinforce to the client? Select all that apply.

Eat smaller and more frequent meals. Drink fluids between meals not with them

The nurse documents that a client with a hiatal hernia is implementing effective health maintenance measures after the client reports doing which action?

Eating low-fat or nonfat foods

The nurse is assigned to care for a client who had a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube inserted when more conservative treatment failed to alleviate the condition. The nurse should suspect that the client has which diagnosis?

Esophageal varices

Before administering an intermittent tube feeding through a nasogastric tube, the nurse checks for gastric residual volume. Which is the best rationale for checking gastric residual volume before administering the tube feeding?

Evaluate absorption of the last feeding

A client is admitted to the hospital with acute viral hepatitis. Which sign/symptom should the nurse expect to note based on this diagnosis?

Fatigue

A client is admitted to the hospital with severe jaundice and is having diagnostic testing. Because the client has no complaints of fatigue, the client is encouraged to ambulate in the hall to maintain muscle strength. The client paces around the room but will not enter the hall. Which problem most likely is the reason for the client's reluctance to walk in the hall?

Feeling self-conscious about appearance

The nurse is preparing to administer an enteral feeding through a nasogastric tube. The nurse should place the client in which position during and after the feedings?

Fowler's

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is assisting in the insertion of a nasogastric (NG) tube for an adult client. The LPN helps determine the correct length to insert the tube by performing which measurement?

From the tip of the client's nose to the earlobe and then down to the xiphoid process

A client has been diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis. Which diet should the nurse anticipate to be prescribed for the client?

Low fiber

A client diagnosed with pernicious anemia asks the nurse what caused the deficiency. The nurse replies that it is likely a result of which condition that is part of the client's health history?

Hemigastrectomy

The nurse analyzes the results of laboratory studies performed on a client with peptic ulcer disease (PUD). Which laboratory value would indicate a complication associated with the disease?

Hemoglobin 10.2 g/dL

After the deflation of the balloon of a client's Sengstaken-Blakemore tube, the nurse monitors the client closely for which esophageal complication?

Hemorrhage

It has been determined that a client with hepatitis has contracted the infection from contaminated food. Which type of hepatitis is this client most likely experiencing?

Hepatitis A

A client has asymptomatic diverticular disease. Which type of diet should the nurse anticipate being prescribed?

High-fiber diet

The nurse is collecting data on a client with a diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease. Which history is least likely associated with this disease?

History of use of acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain and discomfort

A client with acute pancreatitis is experiencing severe pain. After noting an absence of an analgesic prescription on the health care provider prescription sheet, the nurse should suggest contacting the health care provider to request a prescription for which medication?

Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)

The nurse is reinforcing dietary instructions for a client with peptic ulcer disease. Which statement made by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

I will eat a bland diet only

The nurse is reviewing the medication record of a client with acute gastritis. Which medication noted on the client's record should the nurse question?

Ibuprofen (Motrin)

The nurse is working with a client diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. The nurse plans care, focusing on which as the primary problem?

Impaired nutritional status

The nurse is caring for a client with acute pancreatitis and a history of alcoholism and is monitoring the client for complications. Which data should be indicative of paralytic ileus?

Inability to pass flatus

An acutely ill looking client arrives at the emergency department. The client complains of "the worst pain I ever felt in my belly. I can't get comfortable." The client is quiet but with each movement the client cries out in pain. The nurse suspects the client has peritonitis. Which data should the nurse collect to assist in validating this suspicion? Select all that apply.

Inspect the abdomen for rigidity Check for the presence of hiccups Inspect the client's mucous membranes

A client has had a partial gastrectomy and the nurse is reinforcing discharge instructions. The nurse should tell the client about the need for which? Select all that apply.

Iron supplements Calcium supplements Vitamin B12 injections

The nurse who is assisting in the care of a client within the first 24 hours following a total gastrectomy for gastric cancer should avoid which intervention?

Irrigating for nasogastric (NG) tube

The nurse is caring for a client after a Billroth II (gastrojejunostomy) procedure. On review of the postoperative prescriptions, which should the nurse clarify?

Irrigating the nasogastric (NG) tube

The nurse should include which instruction in a teaching plan for a client who has peptic ulcer disease?

Learn to use stress reduction techniques

The nurse is reinforcing discharge instructions to a client after a gastrectomy. Which measure should the nurse include in client teaching to help prevent dumping syndrome?

Limit the fluids taken with meals

A client with acute pancreatitis is experiencing severe pain from the disorder. The nurse tells the client to avoid which position that could aggravate the pain?

Lying flat

A client with hiatal hernia chronically experiences heartburn after meals. Which should the nurse teach the client to avoid?

Lying recumbent after meals

The nurse is caring for a client within the first 24 hours following a total gastrectomy for gastric cancer. During this time frame, on which intervention should the nurse focus?

Maintaining a patent nasogastric (NG) tube

The nurse is caring for a client in the emergency department who has right lower quadrant abdominal pain. After noting a white blood cell count of 16,500 cells/mm3, the nurse should question which prescription?

Milk of Magnesia

A client in the emergency department reports right lower quadrant abdominal pain. After noting a white blood cell count of 16,500 cells/mm3, the nurse should question which prescriptions? Select all that apply.

Milk of Magnesia Heat pad to the abdomen

The nurse will be providing postprocedure care to a client who has undergone esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). The nurse should plan to do which action first?

Monitor for return of the gag reflex

Treatment measures have been implemented for a client with bleeding esophageal varices and have been unsuccessful. The health care provider states that a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube will be used to control the resulting hemorrhage. The nurse prepares for insertion via which route?

Nasogastric

The nurse is caring for a client suspected of having appendicitis. Which should the nurse anticipate will be prescribed for this client?

No oral intake of liquids or food

A client arrives at the emergency department complaining of severe abdominal pain and is placed on NPO status. During a quick assessment the nurse observes that the client has both Cullen's sign and Grey Turner's sign and pancreatitis is suspected. The nurse should perform the following actions/prescriptions in which priority order? Arrange the actions in the order they should be performed. All options must be used.

Obtain vital signs and draw blood for laboratory analysis Ensure the client receives intravenous pain medication Hydrate the client with intravenous fluids Place a nasogastric tube. Client is NPO Inquire about when pain occurs and previous history including medications and alcohol

A morbidly obese client, 3 days postoperative gastric bypass surgery, comes to the clinic complaining of pain. The nurse suspects that the client has an anastomotic leak requiring hospitalization. Which findings validate this suspicion? Select all that apply.

Oliguria Restlessness Abdominal pain Unexplained tachycardia

The nurse is caring for a client with a nasogastric (NG) tube and tests the pH of the aspirate to determine correct placement. The nurse notes that the pH is 5. Which information does this indicate?

Placement of the NG tube is accurate

The nurse is reviewing the health care provider's prescriptions written for a client admitted with acute pancreatitis. Which health care provider prescription should the nurse verify if noted in the client's chart?

Position the client supine and flat

A postgastrectomy client is at high risk for hyperglycemia related to uncontrolled gastric emptying of fluid and food into the small intestine (dumping syndrome). Because of this risk, the nurse plans to monitor which data?

Postprandial blood glucose readings

The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of chronic gastritis. The nurse anticipates that the client is at risk for which vitamin deficiency?

Vitamin B12

The nurse is monitoring for stoma prolapse in a client with a colostomy. Which stoma observation should indicate that a prolapse has occurred?

Protruding and swollen

The nurse is caring for a client with a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube. To prevent ulceration and necrosis of oral and nasal mucosa, the nurse should plan to perform which action?

Provide frequent oral and nasal care on a regular basis

The nurse provides information to a client following a gastrectomy who is now diagnosed with pernicious anemia. Which instructions about pernicious anemia should the nurse reinforce? Select all that apply.

Provide meticulous and frequent oral hygiene Use additional lightweight blankets as needed Check blood serum vitamin B12 levers every 1 to 2 years

The nurse is collecting data on a client admitted to the hospital with hepatitis. Which data indicate that the client may have liver damage?

Pruritus

The nurse is performing an abdominal assessment on a client. The nurse interprets that which finding is abnormal and should be reported to the registered nurse (RN) or health care provider?

Pulsation between the umbilicus and pubis

A postgastrectomy client who is being discharged from the hospital tells the nurse, "I hope my stomach problems are over. I need to get back to work right away. I've missed a lot of work, and I'm really behind. If I don't get my act together, I may lose my job." Based on the client's statement, the nurse determines that at this time, it is appropriate to discuss which topic?

Reducing stressors in life

The nurse reinforces instructions to a client following a gastrectomy about the signs and symptoms of pernicious anemia, knowing what information?

Regular monthly injections of vitamin B12 will prevent this complication

A client is admitted to the hospital with a bowel obstruction secondary to a recurrent malignancy, and the health care provider plans to insert a Miller-Abbott tube. When the nurse tries to explain the procedure, the client interrupts the nurse and states, "I don't want to hear about that. Just let the doctor do it." Based on the client's statement, which is the nurse's best action?

Remain with the client and be silent

The nurse is admitting a client to the hospital for the treatment of dehydration. The client reports nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramping for the past week. The nurse asks the client about medications he is taking. The client denies taking prescription medications but states he has been taking some herbs given to him by his cousin. The nurse alerts the health care provider when the client states he has been taking which herb?

Senna

The nurse is monitoring a client for the early signs and symptoms of dumping syndrome. Which indicates this occurrence?

Sweating and pallor

A postoperative client has regained bowel sounds and is ready to start a clear liquid diet. The nurse is told that the health care provider has written a prescription to remove the nasogastric (NG) tube. The nurse assists in the procedure and asks the client to do which during tube removal?

Take a breath and hold it until the tube is out

The nurse is reinforcing home care instructions to a client following a gastric resection. The nurse should include which instruction?

Take actions to prevent dumping syndrome

A client presents to the urgent care center with complaints of abdominal pain. Suddenly the client vomits bright red blood. The nurse takes which immediate action?

Takes the client's vital signs

The nurse is caring for a client with a nasogastric tube. Which observation is most reliable in determining that the tube is correctly placed?

The pH of the aspirate is 5.

A health care provider asks the nurse to obtain a Salem Sump tube for gastric intubation. The nurse selects which tube from the unit storage area?

Tube with a lumen and an air vent

A health care provider is about to perform a paracentesis on a client with abdominal ascites. The nurse should assist the client to assume which position?

Upright

The nurse observes that a client with a nasogastric tube connected to continuous gastric suction is mouth breathing, has dry mucous membranes, and has a foul breath odor. In planning care, which nursing intervention would be best to maintain the integrity of this client's oral mucosa?

Use diluted mouthwash and water to rinse the mouth after brushing teeth

The nurse is caring for a client with pneumonia with a history of bleeding esophageal varices. Based on this information, the nurse plans care, knowing that which could result in a potential complication?

Vigorous coughing

The nurse is reinforcing discharge instructions to a client who has had a total gastrectomy. The nurse tells the client about the importance of returning to the health care clinic as scheduled for which priority assessment?

Vitamin B12 and folic acid studies

A client has been diagnosed with chronic gastritis and has been told that there is too little intrinsic factor being produced. The nurse tells the client that which therapy will be prescribed to treat the problem?

Vitamin B12 injections

The nurse is teaching a client who is newly diagnosed with a hiatal hernia about measures to prevent recurrence of symptoms. The nurse should make which accurate statement to the client?

"Be sure to sleep with your head elevated in bed."

The nurse has been reinforcing dietary teaching for a client with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who has a routine follow-up visit. Which behavior is the best indicator of a successful outcome for this client?

A decrease in sour eructation

A client with peptic ulcer disease is scheduled for a pyloroplasty, and the client asks the nurse about the procedure. The nurse bases the response on which information?

A pyloroplasty involves an incision and resuturing of the pylorus to relax the muscle and enlarge the opening from the stomach to the duodenum

A health care provider asks the nurse to obtain a Salem Sump tube for gastric intubation. The nurse should correctly select which tube from the unit storage area?

A tube with a larger lumen and an air vent

The nurse is reviewing the health care provider's prescriptions for a client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of liver disease. Which medication prescription should the nurse question?

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

The nurse observes that a client's nasogastric tube has suddenly stopped draining. The tube is connected to suction, the machine is on and functioning and all connections are snug. The tube is secured properly and does not appear to have been dislodged. After checking placement, the nurse gently flushes the tube with 30 mL of normal saline, but the tube still is not draining. The nurse analyzes this problem as which?

Channels of gastric secretions may be bypassing the holes in the tube; turning the client will promote stomach emptying

The nurse is instructing a client who had a herniorrhaphy about how to reduce postoperative swelling following the procedure. Which should the nurse suggest to the client to prevent swelling?

Elevate the scrotum

A client is receiving bolus feedings via a nasogastric tube. The nurse plans to place the client's head of the bed (HOB) in which optimal position once the feeding is completed?

Elevated 30 to 45 degrees with the client in the right lateral position for 60 minutes

The nurse has been caring for a client with a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube. The health care provider arrives on the nursing unit and deflates the esophageal balloon. Following deflation of the balloon, the nurse should monitor the client closely for which?

Hematemesis

The nurse is assisting with the insertion of a nasogastric tube into a client. The nurse should place the client in which position for insertion?

High-Fowler's position

The nurse is reinforcing discharge instructions to a client with a hiatal hernia. Which should the nurse include in the teaching session? Select all that apply.

It is advisable to stop smoking cigarettes Wait at least 1 hour after meals to perform chores Be sure to elevate the head of the bed during sleep

The nurse is assisting in planning stress management strategies for the client with irritable bowel syndrome. Which suggestion should the nurse give to the client?

Learn measures such as biofeedback or progressive relaxation

A client with viral hepatitis has no appetite, and food makes the client nauseated. Which nursing intervention should be appropriate?

Offer small, frequent meals

The nurse has assisted the health care provider with a liver biopsy, which was done at the bedside. Upon completion of the procedure, the nurse assists the client into which position?

Right side-lying with a small pillow or towel under the puncture site

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is helping a registered nurse (RN) conduct an abdominal assessment. The LPN assists the client into which position?

Supine with the head raised slightly and the knees slightly flexed

The nurse is teaching a client with a newly diagnosed hiatal hernia about measures to prevent recurrence of symptoms. Which statement should be included in the teaching?

"Avoid lying down for an hour after eating."

A client had a Miller-Abbott tube inserted 24 hours ago. The nurse is asked to check the client to determine whether the tube is in the appropriate location at this time. Which finding would indicate adequate location of the tube?

The aspirate from the tube has a pH of 7.45

The nurse is evaluating the effect of dietary counseling on the client with cholecystitis. The nurse determines that the client understands the instructions given if the client states that which food item is acceptable to include in the diet?

Turkey and lettuce sandwich

A client who has undergone a colostomy several days ago is reluctant to leave the hospital and has not yet looked at the ostomy site. Which measures are most likely to promote coping? Select all that apply.

Ask a member of the local ostomy club to visit with the client before discharge Ask the enterostomal nurse specialist to consult with client before discharge Ask the client to begin doing one part of the ostomy care and increase tasks daily

A client complains of stomach pain 30 minutes to 1 hour after eating. The pain is not relieved by further intake of food, although it is relieved by vomiting, and a gastric ulcer is suspected. The nurse should gather which additional supportive data from the client for this diagnosis?

History of alcohol use, smoking and weight loss

A client is admitted to the hospital with viral hepatitis and is complaining of a loss of appetite. In order to provide adequate nutrition, which action does the nurse encourage the client to take?

Increase intake of fluids

The nurse has assisted with the insertion of a Levin tube for gastrointestinal (GI) decompression. Which settings will the health care provider prescribe? Select all that apply.

Low Intermittent

The nurse has assisted in the insertion of a Levin tube for gastrointestinal (GI) decompression. The nurse plans to set the suction to which pressure?

Low and intermittent

The nurse is participating in a health screening clinic and is preparing materials about colorectal cancer. The nurse plans to include which risk factor for colorectal cancer in the material?

Personal history of ulcerative colitis or gastrointestinal (GI) polyps

A client with a peptic ulcer is scheduled for a vagotomy, and the client asks the nurse about the purpose of this procedure. The nurse tells the client that a vagotomy serves which purpose?

Reduces the stimulation of acid secretions

A health care provider asks the licensed practical nurse (LPN) to reinforce preprocedure instructions to a client who will undergo a barium swallow (esophagography) in a few days. The LPN should include which instruction in this discussion?

Remove all metal and jewelry before the test

The nurse assigned to care for a client with cirrhosis reviews the medical record and notes that the client has difficulty maintaining an effective breathing pattern due to pressure on the diaphragm. The nurse plans care knowing that which client position will best assist in facilitating breathing?

Semi-Fowler's

The nurse is reviewing the health care record of a client with a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. Which data noted in the record indicate poor absorption of dietary fats?

Steatorrhea

The nurse is performing colostomy irrigation on a client. During the irrigation, the client begins to complain of abdominal cramps. Which is the appropriate nursing action?

Stop the irrigation temporarily

The nurse is caring for a client with a resolved intestinal obstruction who has a nasogastric tube in place. The health care provider has now prescribed the nasogastric tube to be discontinued. To determine the client's readiness for discontinuation of the nasogastric tube, which measure should the nurse check?

Presence of bowel sounds in all four quadrants

A client complains of stomach pain 30 minutes to 1 hour after eating. The pain is not relieved by further intake of food, although it is relieved by vomiting. A gastric ulcer is suspected. Which data would further support this diagnosis?

History if chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with weight loss