A 28-year-old woman presents with abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. She has a history of similar episodes in the past. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Ulcerative colitis
- B. Irritable bowel syndrome
- C. Celiac disease
- D. Diverticulitis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ulcerative colitis. This chronic inflammatory condition affects the colon and rectum, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. The patient's recurrent episodes and history of similar symptoms point towards ulcerative colitis. Irritable bowel syndrome (choice B) typically presents with abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits but not rectal bleeding. Celiac disease (choice C) presents with gastrointestinal symptoms after consuming gluten. Diverticulitis (choice D) presents with localized abdominal pain and fever due to inflammation or infection of the diverticula, not typically with rectal bleeding.
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A client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is scheduled for hemodialysis. Which pre-dialysis assessment finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider?
- A. Serum potassium of 5.5 mEq/L.
- B. Blood pressure of 180/90 mm Hg.
- C. Heart rate of 80 beats per minute.
- D. Serum sodium of 140 mEq/L.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Blood pressure of 180/90 mm Hg. High blood pressure can worsen kidney function and increase the risk of cardiovascular complications during hemodialysis. The nurse should report this finding to the healthcare provider for prompt management.
A: Serum potassium of 5.5 mEq/L is slightly elevated but not an immediate concern before hemodialysis.
C: Heart rate of 80 beats per minute is within normal range and not a priority assessment for pre-dialysis.
D: Serum sodium of 140 mEq/L is within normal limits and does not require immediate attention before hemodialysis.
A 32-year-old woman presents with a 10-month history of an intermittent burning sensation in the epigastrium that is sometimes related to eating. She has heard about bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. She has had no change in her weight and denies dysphagia. Her laboratory tests are normal. Which of the following would you recommend?
- A. Serum qualitative test for H. pylori
- B. Refer for endoscopy
- C. Obtain an upper GI series
- D. Treat her for H. pylori infection
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale:
1. Given the symptoms of epigastric burning, testing for H. pylori is appropriate as it is a common cause of such symptoms.
2. The serum qualitative test for H. pylori can detect the presence of the bacteria in the patient's system.
3. If positive, treatment for H. pylori (such as antibiotics) would be indicated.
4. Referral for endoscopy or upper GI series is not the initial step as they are more invasive and costly.
Summary:
- A: Correct, as it targets the potential cause of the symptoms.
- B: Not recommended initially, as it is more invasive and not necessary as the first step.
- C: Not recommended initially, as it is less specific for H. pylori detection.
- D: Premature without confirming the presence of H. pylori.
A 50-year-old man presents with severe epigastric pain radiating to his back, nausea, and vomiting. He has a history of heavy alcohol use. Laboratory tests reveal elevated serum amylase and lipase. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Acute cholecystitis
- B. Peptic ulcer disease
- C. Acute pancreatitis
- D. Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Acute pancreatitis. The patient's symptoms of severe epigastric pain radiating to the back, along with nausea, vomiting, and a history of heavy alcohol use, are classic for acute pancreatitis. Elevated serum amylase and lipase levels further support this diagnosis, as they are key markers of pancreatic inflammation. Acute cholecystitis (A) typically presents with right upper quadrant pain and fever. Peptic ulcer disease (B) is characterized by burning epigastric pain that improves with food intake. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (D) presents with heartburn and regurgitation, not the severe symptoms seen in this case.
A 56-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis has severe joint pain and swelling in her hands. She has a history of peptic ulcer disease five years ago but presently has no GI symptoms. You elect to start her on an NSAID. Which of the following is correct?
- A. Proton-pump inhibitors and H2-blockers are equally effective in prophylaxis against NSAID-related GI toxicity.
- B. Misoprostol is superior to an H2-blocker in prophylaxis against NSAID-related GI toxicity.
- C. Sucralfate is not the drug of choice for prophylaxis in this patient.
- D. H. pylori infection can alter the risk for an NSAID-induced ulcer.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1: Misoprostol is a prostaglandin analog that helps protect the gastric mucosa by increasing mucus production. This mechanism of action makes it effective in preventing NSAID-related GI toxicity.
Step 2: H2-blockers (Choice A) and PPIs are not as effective as misoprostol in preventing NSAID-related GI toxicity.
Step 3: Sucralfate (Choice C) is not as effective as misoprostol in preventing NSAID-related GI toxicity due to its different mechanism of action.
Step 4: H. pylori infection (Choice D) can increase the risk of NSAID-induced ulcers but is not directly related to the prophylactic treatment with misoprostol.
When teaching a client postoperative breathing techniques with an incentive spirometer (IS), what should the nurse encourage the client to do to maintain sustained maximal inspiration?
- A. Exhale forcefully into the tubing for 3 to 5 seconds.
- B. Inspire deeply and slowly over 3 to 5 seconds.
- C. Breathe into the spirometer using normal breath volumes.
- D. Perform IS breathing exercises every 6 hours.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Inspire deeply and slowly over 3 to 5 seconds. This technique is recommended for using an incentive spirometer (IS) to maintain sustained maximal inspiration. Slow, deep inhalation helps fully expand the lungs and improve lung function postoperatively.
A: Exhaling forcefully into the tubing is incorrect because the purpose of using an IS is to promote deep inhalation, not forceful exhalation.
C: Breathing into the spirometer using normal breath volumes is incorrect as it does not promote maximal inspiration and may not fully expand the lungs.
D: Performing IS breathing exercises every 6 hours is incorrect as regular, consistent practice throughout the day is recommended for optimal lung recovery.