Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Management of Patients with Gastric and Duodenal Disorders Related

Review Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Management of Patients with Gastric and Duodenal Disorders related questions and content

A patient is undergoing diagnostic testing for a tumor of the small intestine. What are the most likely symptoms that prompted the patient to first seek care?

  • A. Hematemesis and persistent sensation of fullness
  • B. Abdominal bloating and recurrent constipation
  • C. Intermittent pain and bloody stool
  • D. Unexplained bowel incontinence and fatty stools
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When the patient is symptomatic from a tumor of the small intestine, benign tumors often present with intermittent pain. The next most common presentation is occult bleeding. The other listed signs and symptoms are not normally associated with the presentation of small intestinal tumors.