Question

The nurse is doing an admission assessment on a client with a history of duodenal ulcer. To determine whether the problem is currently active, the nurse should assess the client for which sign(s)/symptom(s) of duodenal ulcer?

1.Weight loss
2.Nausea and vomiting
3.Pain relieved by food intake 4.Pain radiating down the right arm

Answer 1

The nurse should look for upper abdominal pain that improves with food intake, nausea and vomiting, and weight loss when assessing a client for active duodenal ulcer symptoms. The correct option is 3.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine whether a client with a history of duodenal ulcers is experiencing an active problem, the nurse should assess for specific signs and symptoms. The hallmark symptom of a duodenal ulcer is upper abdominal pain that often worsens at night and relief of pain after food intake. Nausea and vomiting are also common symptoms, as are potential weight loss and poor appetite due to discomfort or fear of pain after eating.

Pain radiating down the right arm is usually not related to gastrointestinal issues and is not a common symptom of a duodenal ulcer. Instead, this type of pain may be associated with other conditions, such as cardiac issues. So, for the options given, the nurse should primarily assess for pain that improves with eating (3) and may also note if nausea and vomiting (2) or weight loss (1) are present, as these can accompany an active duodenal ulcer.