A nurse is conducting a health screening for peptic ulcer disease risk factors in a community setting. Which of the following questions should the nurse include in the assessment?
A.
“Do you frequently consume spicy foods or citrus fruits?”
B.
“Do you have a family history of lung diseases?”
C.
“Have you been experiencing frequent headaches?”
D.
“Do you engage in regular physical exercise?”
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is A. “Do you frequently consume spicy foods or citrus fruits?”
Explanation:
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is characterized by sores or ulcers developing in the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus. Risk factors for PUD include both modifiable and non-modifiable aspects such as diet, lifestyle, and the presence of bacteria like Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Let’s break down the reasoning behind the inclusion of each question in assessing risk factors for PUD.
Option A: “Do you frequently consume spicy foods or citrus fruits?”
This is the correct question for assessing potential lifestyle and dietary factors that may exacerbate PUD symptoms. Although spicy foods and citrus fruits do not cause ulcers directly, they can irritate the stomach lining, which can worsen symptoms in individuals who already have an ulcer or are prone to developing one. Additionally, foods that increase acid production, like highly acidic or spicy foods, can aggravate existing ulcers. Asking about these dietary habits helps the nurse identify triggers that could lead to or worsen PUD.
Option B: “Do you have a family history of lung diseases?”
This question is irrelevant to peptic ulcer disease. Family history of lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, does not have a direct link to the risk factors for PUD.
Option C: “Have you been experiencing frequent headaches?”
While headaches may indicate other health issues, they are not related to peptic ulcer disease. Headaches are more associated with neurological, vascular, or stress-related conditions and do not typically factor into the risk of developing ulcers.
Option D: “Do you engage in regular physical exercise?”
Regular physical exercise does not have a direct link to peptic ulcer disease risk. In fact, exercise may benefit digestive health and overall well-being, and it is generally not considered a risk factor for ulcers.
In assessing for PUD, the nurse should focus on factors like diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, stress levels, use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and infection with H. pylori.