Gastrointestinal Nursing Questions Related

Review Gastrointestinal Nursing Questions related questions and content

A patient with a history of peptic ulcer disease is hospitalized with symptoms of a perforation. During the initial assessment

  • A. what should the nurse expect the patient to report?
  • B. Vomiting of bright-red blood
  • C. Projectile vomiting of undigested food
  • D. Sudden, severe upper abdominal pain and back pain
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Projectile vomiting of undigested food. In a patient with a perforated peptic ulcer, the sudden opening in the stomach lining allows food to pass into the abdominal cavity, leading to projectile vomiting of undigested food. This symptom is a classic sign of a perforation and requires immediate medical attention. Choice A is incorrect because vomiting of bright-red blood is more indicative of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, not a perforation. Choice B is incorrect as vomiting undigested food is more common in conditions like gastroparesis, not perforated ulcers. Choice D is incorrect as severe upper abdominal pain and back pain are symptoms of a perforation but not as specific as projectile vomiting of undigested food.