The patient described in the preceding question has a positive H. pylori antibody blood test. She is compliant with the medical regimen you prescribe. Although her symptoms initially respond, she returns to see you six months later with the same symptoms. Which of the following statements is correct?
- A. She is at low risk for reinfection with H. pylori
- B. A positive serum IgG indicates that eradication of H. pylori was successful
- C. The urease breath test is an ideal test to document failure of eradication
- D. Dyspepsia typically worsens with H. pylori eradication
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the urease breath test is the ideal test to document failure of H. pylori eradication. This test directly measures the presence of the H. pylori bacterium in the stomach by detecting the enzyme urease produced by the bacterium. If the patient still has symptoms after treatment, a positive urease breath test would indicate that the bacterium is still present, leading to treatment failure.
Choice A is incorrect because a positive antibody test does not indicate low risk for reinfection. Choice B is incorrect because a positive serum IgG may persist even after successful eradication. Choice D is incorrect because dyspepsia can improve after successful H. pylori eradication rather than worsen.
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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.
A 40-year-old woman presents with a history of chronic constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain. She notes that the pain is relieved with defecation. She denies any weight loss, blood in her stools, or nocturnal symptoms. Physical examination and routine blood tests are normal. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Inflammatory bowel disease
- B. Irritable bowel syndrome
- C. Celiac disease
- D. Lactose intolerance
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The key clues in the question are chronic constipation, bloating, abdominal pain relieved with defecation, and absence of alarming symptoms. These symptoms align with the Rome IV criteria for IBS. Inflammatory bowel disease (A) typically presents with more severe symptoms, including weight loss and blood in stools. Celiac disease (C) is associated with malabsorption symptoms and autoimmune features, not typically seen in this case. Lactose intolerance (D) presents with symptoms after consuming dairy, which is not mentioned in the patient's history. Therefore, based on the clinical presentation and exclusion of other conditions, the most likely diagnosis is IBS.
Which regimen is most effective for treating H. pylori infection?
- A. Metronidazole, bismuth subsalicylate, amoxicillin for 14 days
- B. Clarithromycin and omeprazole for 14 days
- C. Metronidazole, lansoprazole, and clarithromycin for 14 days
- D. Metronidazole, clarithromycin, and omeprazole for 7 days
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C - Metronidazole, lansoprazole, and clarithromycin for 14 days. This regimen includes a proton pump inhibitor (lansoprazole) to reduce stomach acid, clarithromycin to kill the bacteria, and metronidazole as an alternative antibiotic. This combination therapy is recommended by guidelines as it targets H. pylori effectively, reducing the risk of resistance.
Choice A is incorrect as bismuth subsalicylate is not included in the recommended regimen. Choice B is incorrect because omeprazole is not the preferred proton pump inhibitor, and using clarithromycin alone can lead to resistance. Choice D is incorrect as the duration of treatment is insufficient for eradication. Overall, choice C is the most effective option based on current guidelines and best practices for treating H. pylori infection.
A 65-year-old woman presents with difficulty swallowing, weight loss, and a history of long-standing heartburn. She has been on proton-pump inhibitors for years, but her symptoms have worsened. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Peptic stricture
- B. Esophageal cancer
- C. Achalasia
- D. Esophageal spasm
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Esophageal cancer. Given the patient's age, symptoms of difficulty swallowing and weight loss, along with a history of chronic heartburn not responding to proton-pump inhibitors, esophageal cancer is the most likely diagnosis. Esophageal cancer commonly presents with dysphagia, weight loss, and a history of chronic reflux. Peptic stricture (A) typically presents with dysphagia but is less likely given the worsening symptoms despite treatment. Achalasia (C) presents with dysphagia and regurgitation, but not typically with weight loss. Esophageal spasm (D) presents with chest pain and dysphagia, but not typically with weight loss or chronic heartburn.
In a patient with a history of chronic iron deficiency anemia requiring a recent blood transfusion and an extensive GI work-up, which statement is true based on their medications?
- A. A dedicated small bowel series has a high likelihood of being positive
- B. 81 mg of aspirin per day decreases the benefit of using a COX II inhibitor
- C. The patient should have a provocative arteriogram with heparin infusion to identify the source of blood loss
- D. Hormonal therapy has been shown to be effective in decreasing blood loss due to arteriovenous malformations
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 81 mg of aspirin per day decreases the benefit of using a COX II inhibitor. Aspirin, a non-selective COX inhibitor, can interfere with the action of selective COX II inhibitors by competing for the same binding site on the COX enzyme. This competition can limit the effectiveness of the COX II inhibitor in reducing inflammation and pain. This is particularly important in patients with a history of chronic iron deficiency anemia who may require NSAIDs for pain management.
Option A is incorrect because a dedicated small bowel series may not necessarily be positive for identifying the source of blood loss in this patient. Option C is incorrect as a provocative arteriogram with heparin infusion is an invasive procedure and not typically indicated as a first-line investigation for blood loss in patients with iron deficiency anemia. Option D is incorrect as hormonal therapy is not typically used to decrease blood loss from arteriovenous malformations.