Question

The nurse is caring for a patient who is being treated for peptic ulcer disease. Suddenly, the patient yells that the pain has become extreme. The nurse notes that the patient's abdomen is rigid. The nurse should

a.call the provider immediately.
b.give the patient pain medication.
c.remove the NG tube.
d.give the patient an antacid.

Answer 1

A is the correct answer

Answer 2

The nurse should call the provider immediately because the patient's symptoms may indicate a complication like stomach wall perforation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should a. call the provider immediately.

In this scenario, the patient with peptic ulcer disease suddenly experiences extreme pain and a rigid abdomen. These symptoms may indicate a complication like perforation of the stomach wall. Perforation is a medical emergency that requires immediate surgical intervention to repair the damage. Therefore, the nurse should call the healthcare provider immediately to inform them of the patient's condition.