Chapter 40
The nursing student approaches his instructor to discuss the plan of care for his client diagnosed with peptic ulcer disease. The student asks what is the most common site for peptic ulcer formation? The instructor would state which one of the following? Duodenum Esophagus Pylorus Stomach
Duodenum Peptic ulcers occur mainly in the gastroduodenal mucosa because this tissue cannot withstand the digestive action of gastric acid (HCl) and pepsin.
A client with peptic ulcer disease has a blood pressure of 88/40 mm Hg, dizziness, and nausea. Which complication will the nurse suspect is occurring with this client? Bleeding from the ulcer Evidence of ulcer healing Medication adverse effects Allergic response to the medication
Bleeding from the ulcer Bleeding peptic ulcers account for 27% to 40% of all upper GI bleeds and it may be manifested by hematemesis or melena. Faintness or dizziness and nausea may precede or accompany bleeding. A low blood pressure could indicate active bleeding. The client's symptoms do not indicate evidence of the ulcer healing. It is unlikely that the client's symptoms are adverse effects or allergic responses to the medications.
The nurse is assessing a client with advanced gastric cancer. The nurse anticipates that the assessment will reveal which finding? Abdominal pain below the umbilicus Weight gain Bloating after meals Increased appetite
Bloating after meals Symptoms of progressive disease include bloating after meals, weight loss, abdominal pain above the umbilicus, loss or decrease in appetite, and nausea or vomiting.
A client sustained second- and third-degree burns over 30% of the body surface area approximately 72 hours ago. What type of ulcer should the nurse be alert for while caring for this client? Curling's ulcer Peptic ulcer Esophageal ulcer Meckel's ulcer
Curling's ulcer Curling's ulcer is frequently observed about 72 hours after extensive burns and involves the antrum of the stomach or the duodenum. Peptic, esophageal, and Meckel's ulcers are not related to burn injuries.
The nurse practitioner suspects that a patient may have a gastric ulcer after completing a history and physical exam. Select an indicator that can be used to help establish the distinction between gastric and duodenal ulcers. Amount of hydrochloric acid (HCL) secretion in the stomach Sensitivity to the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Presence of H. pylori Patient's age
Amount of hydrochloric acid (HCL) secretion in the stomach A duodenal ulcer is characterized by hypersecretion of stomach acid, whereas a gastric ulcer shows evidence of hyposecretion of stomach acid. The other three choices have similar characteristics in both types of ulcers.
A client is prescribed a histamine (H2)-receptor antagonist. The nurse understands that this might include which medication(s)? Select all that apply. Nizatidine Lansoprazole Famotidine Cimetidine Esomeprazole
Nizatidine Famotidine Cimetidine H2-receptor antagonists suppress secretion of gastric acid, alleviate symptoms of heartburn, and assist in preventing complications of peptic ulcer disease. These medications also suppress gastric acid secretions and are used in active ulcer disease, erosive esophagitis, and pathological hypersecretory conditions. The other medications listed are proton-pump inhibitors.
During a home visit the nurse notes that a client recovering from peptic ulcer disease is experiencing cool clammy skin and has a heart rate of 96 beats a minute. Which action will the nurse take? Notify the primary health care provider. Provide a dose of a proton pump inhibitor. Encourage the client to drink a warm beverage. Discuss the types of foods the client has been eating.
Notify the primary health care provider. The client with peptic ulcer disease is demonstrating signs of hemorrhage which include cool skin and tachycardia. The health care provider should be immediately notified. The client should not be given any additional medication. A warm beverage could enhance bleeding. It is inappropriate to provide any teaching while the client is experiencing an acute condition.
A nurse practitioner prescribes drug therapy for a patient with peptic ulcer disease. Choose the drug that can be used for 4 weeks and has a 90% chance of healing the ulcer. Nizatidine Cimetidine Famotidine Omeprazole
Omeprazole Omeprazole (Prilosec) is a proton pump inhibitor that, if used according to the health care provider's directions, will result in healing in 90% of patients. The other drugs are H2 receptor antagonists that need to be used for 6 weeks.
The nurse is conducting a community education class on gastritis. The nurse includes that chronic gastritis caused by Helicobacter pylori is implicated in which disease/condition? Pernicious anemia Systemic infection Peptic ulcers Colostomy
Peptic ulcers Chronic gastritis caused by Helicobacter pylori is implicated in the development of peptic ulcers. Chronic gastritis is sometimes associated with autoimmune disease, such as pernicious anemia, but not as a cause of the anemia. Chronic gastritis is not implicated in system infections and/or colostomies.
A client with a peptic ulcer is about to begin a therapeutic regimen that includes a bland diet, antacids, and famotidine. Before the client is discharged, the nurse should provide which instruction? "Eat three balanced meals every day." "Stop taking the drugs when your symptoms subside." "Avoid aspirin and products that contain aspirin." "Increase your intake of fluids containing caffeine."
"Avoid aspirin and products that contain aspirin." The nurse should instruct the client to avoid aspirin because it's a gastric irritant and should not be taken by clients with peptic ulcer to prevent further erosion of the stomach lining. The client should eat small, frequent meals rather than three large ones. Antacids prevent acid accumulation in the stomach; they should be taken even after symptoms subside. Caffeine should be avoided because it increases acid production in the stomach.
A client is prescribed tetracycline to treat peptic ulcer disease. Which instruction would the nurse give the client? "Take the medication with milk." "Be sure to wear sunscreen while taking this medicine." "You will not experience GI upset while taking this medication." "Do not drive when taking this medication."
"Be sure to wear sunscreen while taking this medicine." Tetracycline may cause a photosensitivity reaction in clients. The nurse should caution the client to use sunscreen when taking this drug. Dairy products can reduce the effectiveness of tetracycline, so the nurse should not advise him or her to take the medication with milk. GI upset is possible with tetracycline administration. Administration of tetracycline does not necessitate driving restrictions.
The nurse determines that teaching for the client with peptic ulcer disease has been effective when the client makes which statement? "I should stop all my medications if I develop any side effects." "I should continue my treatment regimen as long as I have pain." "I have learned some relaxation strategies that decrease my stress." "I can buy whatever antacids are on sale because they all have the same effect."
"I have learned some relaxation strategies that decrease my stress." The nurse assists the client to identify stressful or exhausting situations. A hectic lifestyle and an irregular schedule may aggravate symptoms and interfere with regular meals taken in relaxed settings along with the regular administration of medications. The client may benefit from regular rest periods during the day, at least during the acute phase of the disease. Biofeedback, hypnosis, behavior modification, massage, or acupuncture may be helpful.
A client with an H. pylori infection asks why bismuth subsalicylate is prescribed. Which response will the nurse make? "It improves digestion in the stomach." "It aids in the healing of the stomach lining." "It enhances the function of the pyloric sphincter." "It helps propel food from the stomach into the duodenum."
"It aids in the healing of the stomach lining." Bismuth subsalicylate suppresses H. pylori bacteria in the gastric mucosa and assists with healing of mucosal ulcers. It does not affect digestion, enhance the function of the pyloric sphincter, or propel food from the stomach into the duodenum.
A client with gastric ulcers caused by H. pylori is prescribed metronidazole. Which client statement indicates to the nurse that teaching about this medication was effective? "It might cause a metallic taste in my mouth." "I can take this medication with my blood thinner." "I can have an alcoholic drink in the evenings." "My appetite may increase while taking this medication."
"It might cause a metallic taste in my mouth." Metronidazole is a synthetic antibacterial and antiprotozoal agent that assists with eradicating H. pylori bacteria in the gastric mucosa when given with other antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors. This medication may cause a metallic taste in the mouth. It should not be taken with anticoagulants as it will increase the blood thinning effects of warfarin. Alcohol should be avoided while taking this medication. This medication may cause anorexia and not an increased appetite.
A client being treated for a peptic ulcer seeks medical attention for vomiting blood. Which statement indicates to the nurse the reason for the client developing hematemesis? "I think the soda that I drank irritated my stomach." "The pain stopped so I stopped taking the medications." "I felt better but then just got really nauseated and threw up." "I only ate dinner yesterday and it gave me an upset stomach."
"The pain stopped so I stopped taking the medications." The client should be instructed to adhere to and complete the medication regimen to ensure complete healing of the peptic ulcer. Because most clients become symptom free within a week, it should be stressed to the client the importance of following the prescribed regimen so that the healing process can continue uninterrupted and the return of symptoms can be prevented. Since the client stopped taking the medication, the ulcer was not healed and became worse. The statements about soda, being nauseated, and eating only one meal would not explain the reason for the client's new onset of hematemesis during treatment for a peptic ulcer.
A client with peptic ulcer disease must begin triple medication therapy. For how long will the client follow this regimen? 4 to 6 days 7 to 9 days 10 to 14 days 15 to 20 days
10 to 14 days Recommended therapy for 10 to 14 days includes triple therapy with two antibiotics (e.g., metronidazole [Flagyl] or amoxicillin [Amoxil] and clarithromycin [Biaxin]) plus a proton pump inhibitor (e.g., lansoprazole [Prevacid], omeprazole [Prilosec], or rabeprazole [Aciphex]), or quadruple therapy with two antibiotics (metronidazole and tetracycline) plus a proton pump inhibitor and bismuth salts (Pepto-Bismol).
When caring for a client with an acute exacerbation of a peptic ulcer, the nurse finds the client doubled up in bed with severe pain in the right shoulder. What is the initial appropriate action by the nurse? Notify the health care provider. Irrigate the client's NG tube. Place the client in the high-Fowler's position. Assess the client's abdomen and vital signs.
Assess the client's abdomen and vital signs. Signs and symptoms of perforation includes sudden, severe upper abdominal pain (persisting and increasing in intensity); pain may be referred to the shoulders, especially the right shoulder, because of irritation of the phrenic nerve in the diaphragm. The nurse should assess the vital signs and abdomen prior to notifying the physician. Irrigation of the NG tube should not be performed because the additional fluid may be spilled into the peritoneal cavity, and the client should be placed in a position of comfort, usually on the side with the head slightly elevated.
A young adult client is prescribed misoprostol to prevent gastric ulcers caused by frequent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents for an autoimmune disorder. For which reason will the nurse question giving the client a dose of this medication? Can cause constipation Needs to be taken without food May cause diarrhea and cramping Awaiting the results of a pregnancy test
Awaiting the results of a pregnancy test Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin that protects the gastric mucosa from agents that cause ulcers, and also increases mucus production and bicarbonate levels. It is a pregnancy category X medication and should not be taken by a pregnant client as it can soften the cervix and result in miscarriage or premature labor. This medication does not cause constipation. Sucralfate needs to be taken without food. Misoprostol can cause diarrhea and cramping; however, this is not the reason to question giving the client a dose of the medication.
The nurse is evaluating a client's ulcer symptoms to differentiate ulcer as duodenal or gastric. Which symptom should the nurse at attribute to a duodenal ulcer? Vomiting Hemorrhage Awakening in pain Constipation
Awakening in pain The client with a duodenal ulcer is more likely to awaken with pain during the night than is the client with a gastric ulcer. Vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and bleeding are symptoms common to both gastric and duodenal ulcers.
Clients with Type O blood are at higher risk for which of the following GI disorders? Gastric cancer Duodenal ulcers Esophageal varices Diverticulitis
Duodenal ulcers Familial tendency also may be a significant predisposing factor. People with blood type O are more susceptible to peptic ulcers than are those with blood type A, B, or AB. Blood type is not a predisposing factor for gastric cancer, esophageal varices, and diverticulitis.
A health care provider suspects that a client has peptic ulcer disease. With which diagnostic procedure would the nurse most likely prepare to assist? Barium study of the upper gastrointestinal tract Endoscopy Gastric secretion study Stool antigen test
Endoscopy Barium study of the upper GI tract may show an ulcer; however, endoscopy is the preferred diagnostic procedure because it allows direct visualization of inflammatory changes, ulcers, and lesions. Through endoscopy, a biopsy of the gastric mucosa and of any suspicious lesions can be obtained. Endoscopy may reveal lesions that, because of their size or location, are not evident on x-ray studies. Less invasive diagnostic measures for detecting H. pylori include serologic testing for antibodies against the H. pylori antigen, stool antigen test, and urea breath test.
The nurse is developing a plan of care for a patient with peptic ulcer disease. What nursing interventions should be included in the care plan? Select all that apply. Making neurovascular checks every 4 hours Frequently monitoring hemoglobin and hematocrit levels Observing stools and vomitus for color, consistency, and volume Checking the blood pressure and pulse rate every 15 to 20 minutes Inserting an indwelling catheter for incontinence
Frequently monitoring hemoglobin and hematocrit levels Observing stools and vomitus for color, consistency, and volume Checking the blood pressure and pulse rate every 15 to 20 minutes The nurse assesses the patient for faintness or dizziness and nausea, which may precede or accompany bleeding. The nurse must monitor vital signs frequently and evaluate the patient for tachycardia, hypotension, and tachypnea. Other nursing interventions include monitoring the hemoglobin and hematocrit, testing the stool for gross or occult blood, and recording hourly urinary output to detect anuria or oliguria (absence of or decreased urine production).
The nurse is assessing a client with an ulcer for signs and symptoms of hemorrhage. The nurse interprets which condition as a sign/symptom of possible hemorrhage? Hematemesis Bradycardia Hypertension Polyuria
Hematemesis The nurse interprets hematemesis as a sign/symptom of possible hemorrhage from the ulcer. Other signs that can indicate hemorrhage include tachycardia, hypotension, and oliguria/anuria.
A client with severe peptic ulcer disease has undergone surgery and is several hours postoperative. During assessment, the nurse notes that the client has developed cool skin, tachycardia, labored breathing, and appears to be confused. Which complication has the client most likely developed? Hemorrhage Penetration Perforation Pyloric obstruction
Hemorrhage Signs of hemorrhage following surgery include cool skin, confusion, increased heart rate, labored breathing, and blood in the stool. Signs of penetration and perforation are severe abdominal pain, rigid and tender abdomen, vomiting, elevated temperature, and increased heart rate. Indicators of pyloric obstruction are nausea, vomiting, distended abdomen, and abdominal pain.
Rebleeding may occur from a peptic ulcer and often warrants surgical interventions. Signs of bleeding include which of the following? Mental confusion Bradycardia Bradypnea Hypertension
Mental confusion Signs of bleeding include tachycardia, tachypnea, hypotension, mental confusion, thirst, and oliguria.
A client is in the hospital for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. The client reports vomiting and a sudden severe pain in the abdomen. The nurse then assesses a board-like abdomen. What does the nurse suspect these symptoms indicate? Ineffective treatment for the peptic ulcer A reaction to the medication given for the ulcer Gastric penetration Perforation of the peptic ulcer
Perforation of the peptic ulcer Signs and symptoms of perforation include the following: Sudden, severe upper abdominal pain (persisting and increasing in intensity), which may be referred to the shoulders, especially the right shoulder, because of irritation of the phrenic nerve in the diaphragm; vomiting; collapse (fainting); extremely tender and rigid (board-like) abdomen; and hypotension and tachycardia, indicating shock.
The nurse is teaching a client with peptic ulcer disease who has been prescribed misoprostol. What information from the nurse would be most accurate about misoprostol? Works best when taken on an empty stomach Increases the speed of gastric emptying Prevents ulceration in clients taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Decreases mucus production
Prevents ulceration in clients taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Misoprostol (Cytotec) is a synthetic prostaglandin that protects the gastric mucosa against ulceration and is used in clients who take NSAIDs. Misoprostol should be taken with food. It does not improve emptying of the stomach, and it increases (not decreases) mucus production.
A client with peptic ulcer disease wants to know nonpharmacologic ways to prevent recurrence. Which of the following measures would the nurse recommend? Select all that apply. Smoking cessation Substituting decaffeinated products for all forms of coffee Avoidance of alcohol Eating whenever hungry Following a regular schedule for rest, relaxation, and meals
Smoking cessation Substituting decaffeinated products for all forms of coffee Avoidance of alcohol Following a regular schedule for rest, relaxation, and meals The likelihood of recurrence is reduced if the client avoids smoking, coffee (including decaffeinated coffee) and other caffeinated beverages, and alcohol. It is important to counsel the client to eat meals at regular times and in a relaxed setting and to avoid overeating.
A nurse is monitoring a client with peptic ulcer disease. Which assessment findings would most likely indicate perforation of the ulcer? Select all that apply. Tachycardia Hypotension Mild epigastric pain A rigid, board-like abdomen Diarrhea
Tachycardia Hypotension A rigid, board-like abdomen Signs and symptoms of perforation include sudden, severe upper abdominal pain (persisting and increasing in intensity); pain, which may be referred to the shoulders, especially the right shoulder, because of irritation of the phrenic nerve in the diaphragm; vomiting; collapse (fainting); extremely tender and rigid (board-like) abdomen; and hypotension and tachycardia, indicating shock. Perforation is a surgical emergency.
The nurse recognizes that the client diagnosed with a duodenal ulcer will likely experience vomiting. hemorrhage. pain 2 to 3 hours after a meal. weight loss.
pain 2 to 3 hours after a meal. The client with a duodenal ulcer often awakens between 1 and 2 with pain, and ingestion of food brings relief. Vomiting is uncommon in the client with duodenal ulcer. Hemorrhage is less likely in the client with duodenal ulcer than in the client with gastric ulcer. The client with a duodenal ulcer may experience weight gain.
A nurse is caring for a client who is undergoing a diagnostic workup for a suspected gastrointestinal problem. The client reports gnawing epigastric pain following meals and heartburn. What would the nurse suspect this client has? peptic ulcer disease ulcerative colitis appendicitis diverticulitis
peptic ulcer disease Peptic ulcer disease is characterized by dull, gnawing pain in the midepigastrium or the back that worsens with eating. Ulcerative colitis is characterized by exacerbations and remissions of severe bloody diarrhea. Appendicitis is characterized by epigastric or umbilical pain along with nausea, vomiting, and low-grade fever. Pain caused by diverticulitis is in the left lower quadrant and has a moderate onset. It's accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills.
A client with a peptic ulcer is diagnosed with Helicobacter pylori infection. The nurse is teaching the client about the medications prescribed, including metronidazole, omeprazole, and clarithromycin. Which statement by the client indicates the best understanding of the medication regimen? "My ulcer will heal because these medications will kill the bacteria." "I should take these medications only when I have pain from my ulcer." "The medications will kill the bacteria and stop the acid production." "These medications will coat the ulcer and decrease the acid production in my stomach."
"The medications will kill the bacteria and stop the acid production." Currently, the most commonly used therapy for peptic ulcers is a combination of antibiotics, proton-pump inhibitors, and bismuth salts that suppress or eradicate H. pylori. Recommended therapy for 10 to 14 days includes triple therapy with two antibiotics (e.g., metronidazole [Flagyl] or amoxicillin [Amoxil] and clarithromycin [Biaxin]) plus a proton-pump inhibitor (e.g., lansoprazole [Prevacid], omeprazole [Prilosec], or rabeprazole [Aciphex]), or quadruple therapy with two antibiotics (metronidazole and tetracycline) plus a proton-pump inhibitor and bismuth salts (Pepto-Bismol). Research is being conducted to develop a vaccine against H. pylori.
A client diagnosed with a peptic ulcer says, "Now I have something else I have to worry about." Which actions will the nurse take to help reduce the client's anxiety? Select all that apply. Interact with the client in a relaxed manner. Help identify the client's current stressors. Discuss potential coping techniques with the client. Offer information about relaxation methods. Inform the client the medication will solve the problem.
Interact with the client in a relaxed manner. Help identify the client's current stressors. Discuss potential coping techniques with the client. Offer information about relaxation methods. A client with a peptic ulcer may have a problem with anxiety. To help reduce the client's anxiety, the nurse should interact with the client in a relaxed manner and help the client identify stressors. The nurse can also discuss potential coping techniques and offer information about relaxation methods. Stating that medication will solve the problem may not be sufficient if stress and anxiety are contributors to the development of the ulcer.