Question

the nurse working in the emergency - department is assisting with the initial assessment on a client who is complaining of severe upper abdominal pain that spreads throughout the abdomen and radiates to the back and shoulders. the client has tried taking antacids with no relief. on assessment the abdomen is rigid and bowel sounds are absent. which data in the clients history would the nurse be most concerned about in connection with these assessment findings?

Explanation:

The patient has severe abdominal pain that radiates, a rigid abdomen, and absent bowel sounds. Perforated ulcer can cause such symptoms. History of peptic ulcer disease increases the risk of perforation. Gallstones usually present with different symptoms like pain in the right upper - quadrant. Diverticulitis typically involves lower abdominal pain. Chronic pancreatitis has pain patterns related more to the pancreas and may not present with a rigid abdomen as a primary sign.

Answer:

1. Peptic ulcer disease