NCLEX Questions on Gastrointestinal System Related

Review NCLEX Questions on Gastrointestinal System related questions and content

You are caring for a client with peptic ulcer disease. Which assessment finding is the most serious?

  • A. Projectile vomiting
  • B. Burning sensation 2 hours after eating
  • C. Coffee-ground emesis
  • D. Board-like abdomen with shoulder pain
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A board-like abdomen with shoulder pain indicates a perforated ulcer, a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention. A perforation can lead to peritonitis and septic shock. Choice A, projectile vomiting, may indicate a gastric outlet obstruction but is not as immediately life-threatening as a perforation. Choice B, burning sensation 2 hours after eating, is a common symptom of peptic ulcer disease and does not indicate a complication. Choice C, coffee-ground emesis, may indicate bleeding but is not as severe as a perforation.