Question

The nurse is admitting a client with a suspected duodenal ulcer. The client will most likely report that his abdominal discomfort decreases when he:

Avoids eating
Rests in a recumbent position
Eats a meal or snack
Sits upright after eating

Answer 1

The client with a suspected duodenal ulcer will most likely report that abdominal discomfort decreases when he eats a meal or snack. This symptom relief occurs because food can buffer the stomach acid that irritates the ulcer. Typical treatments include antibiotics, acid-reducing medications, and lifestyle changes.

Step-by-step explanation:

When admitting a client with a suspected duodenal ulcer, it is likely that the individual will report a decrease in abdominal discomfort when they eat a meal or snack. This is because the ingestion of food can buffer the stomach acid and temporarily relieve the pain caused by a duodenal ulcer. In contrast, the pain of a gastric ulcer may worsen after eating as the presence of food increases acid production which can irritate the ulcer.

The most common symptoms of a duodenal ulcer include upper abdominal pain that often improves with eating, belching, vomiting, and sometimes weight loss and poor appetite. To treat the ulcer, antibiotics may be prescribed if it's caused by H. pylori infection, along with medications to reduce stomach acid and promote healing. Lifestyle changes are also recommended, which may include eating smaller, less fatty meals and avoiding irritants such as NSAIDs on an empty stomach.

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