Question

The registered nurse (RN) is caring for a client with peptic ulcer disease (PUD). What assessment should the RN identify and document that is consistent with PUD? (Select all that apply).

Hematemesis.
Gastric pain on an empty stomach.
Colic-like pain with fatty food ingestion.
Intolerance of spicy foods.
Diarrhea and stearrhea.

Answer 1

When assessing a patient with peptic ulcer disease (PUD), the registered nurse should document symptoms like hematemesis gastric pain on an empty stomach, and intolerance to spicy foods, which are all consistent with PUD.

Step-by-step explanation:

Assessment Consistent with Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD):

The registered nurse (RN) is caring for a client with peptic ulcer disease (PUD). For an accurate assessment, the RN should identify and document the following symptoms that are consistent with PUD:

• Hematemesis: Vomiting of blood, which may indicate bleeding within the GI tract due to an ulcer.
• Gastric pain on an empty stomach: A common symptom of PUD owing to irritation of the ulcerated tissue by acidic gastric juice.
• Intolerance of spicy foods: Spicy foods can irritate the ulcerated lining, causing discomfort and are often poorly tolerated by individuals with PUD.

Other symptoms associated with PUD, but not part of the options given, include belching, vomiting, weight loss, poor appetite, and abdominal pain that often occurs at night and improves with eating. Colic-like pain with fatty food ingestion which is more associated with gallbladder issues, and diarrhea and steatorrhea which are not typical presentations of PUD are less likely to be relevant in the assessment of PUD.