Duodenal Disorders
1. The patient has been diagnosed with a peptic ulcer. The patient asks the nurse, “What is a
peptic ulcer?” Which of the following best describes a peptic ulcer?
A) Inflammation of the lining of the stomach
B) Erosion of the lining of the stomach or intestine
C) Bleeding from the mucosa in the stomach
D) Bacterial invasion of the stomach wall
Ans: B
Cognitive Level: Application
Difficulty: Easy
Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning
Objective: 1
Patient Needs: D-4
Feedback: A peptic ulcer is erosion of the lining of the stomach or intestine.
2. The nurse asks the patient with a peptic ulcer to describe his pain. A patient with a peptic
ulcer usually describes the pain as:
A) Gnawing
B) Sharp stabbing
C) Overdistended feeling
D) Cramping or aching
Ans: A
Cognitive Level: Application
Difficulty: Moderate
Integrated Process: Communication/Documentation
Objective: 1
, Patient Needs: D-4
Feedback: Patients with ulcers generally describe the pain as a gnawing or dull. They may also
complain of a burning sensation.
3. A patient has been prescribed ranitidine. Which of the following statements would
indicate that the patient correctly understands the action of this medication?
A) “The medication inhibits acid secretions.”
B) “The medication is an antibiotic.”
C) “The medication is an analgesic.”
D) “The medication will repair my ulcer.”
Ans: A
Cognitive Level: Analysis
Difficulty: Moderate
Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning
Objective: 3
Patient Needs: D-2
Feedback: The statement that “the medication inhibits acid secretions” indicates patient
understanding. This medication does not act as an antibiotic or analgesic, nor will it repair
the ulcer.
4. The nurse suspects that the patient's pain is related to a peptic ulcer when the patient states
the pain is relieved by:
A) Eating
B) Drinking milk
C) Suppressing emesis
D) Having a bowel movement
Ans: A
Cognitive Level: Analysis
Difficulty: Moderate
Integrated Process: Nursing Process
Objective: 4
Patient Needs: D-4
Feedback: Taking antacids, eating, or vomiting often relieves the pain. Pain occurs about
2 hours after eating. Milk is contraindicated in relieving peptic ulcer pain.