Question

"A patient with a history of peptic ulcer disease has presented to the emergency department reporting severe abdominal pain and has a rigid, board-like abdomen that prompts the health care team to suspect a perforated ulcer. What intervention should the nurse anticipate?

A-Providing intravenous (IV) fluids and inserting a nasogastric (NG) tube
B-Administering oral bicarbonate and testing the patient's gastric pH level
C-Performing a fecal occult blood test and administering IV calcium gluconate
D-Starting parenteral nutrition and placing the patient in a high-Fowler's position"

Answer 1

The nurse should anticipate providing intravenous fluids and inserting a nasogastric tube for a patient with a suspected perforated ulcer.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the case of a patient with suspected perforated ulcer, the nurse should anticipate providing intravenous (IV) fluids and inserting a nasogastric (NG) tube (option A).

Patients with a perforated ulcer require immediate medical attention, as this condition can lead to peritonitis, which is a serious inflammation of the abdomen. Intravenous fluids are needed to correct any fluid imbalances and maintain hydration. Additionally, a nasogastric tube can be inserted to help decompress the stomach and relieve pressure on the abdomen.

Other options mentioned are not appropriate for the initial management of a perforated ulcer. Administering oral bicarbonate and testing the patient's gastric pH level (option B) is not effective in the acute emergency setting. Performing a fecal occult blood test and administering IV calcium gluconate (option C) is not relevant to the management of a perforated ulcer. Starting parenteral nutrition and placing the patient in a high-Fowler's position (option D) is not indicated and may delay necessary surgical intervention.