Question

A nurse is caring for a client who complains of diarrhea and epigastric pain. The client tells the nurse that he has recently been diagnosed with a gastrinoma. What additional condition does the nurse suspect the client​ has?

​a Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
b Esophageal ulcer
c Gastric ulcer
d Sick sinus syndrome

Answer 1

The nurse should suspect that the client has a. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome based on the recent diagnosis of gastrinoma, which is significantly associated with peptic ulcers due to excessive gastric acid secretion.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse is caring for a client who complains of diarrhoea and epigastric pain and mentions a recent diagnosis of a gastrinoma. Based on this information, the additional condition that the nurse should suspect is Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by one or more peptic ulcers that are formed as a result of the hypersecretion of gastric acid that occurs due to the gastrin-secreting tumor (gastrinoma). This condition is very frequently associated with peptic ulcers and complications like severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

It is noteworthy that indigestion and symptoms like upper abdominal pain, heartburn, nausea, and diarrhea are common in conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract, such as GERD, gastritis, and peptic ulcers. The presence of a gastrinoma indicates a pathology that can elevate acid levels to the extent that leads to peptic ulcer disease and thus also suggests Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.