An Older Patient with a Newly Diagnosed Peptic Ulcer Asks

question 15

Multiple Choice

An older patient with a newly diagnosed peptic ulcer asks why lifestyle alterations are necessary. What should the nurse explain to the patient about their new diagnosis?

• A) "It is important to reduce alcohol; it stimulates gastric acid secretion."
• B) "It is important to reduce alcohol; it acts to suppress gastric immunity."
• C) "It is important to eat two large meals per day; this will reduce abdominal pain."
• D) "It is important to reduce smoking because tobacco reduces the effectiveness of gastric ulcer medications."

---

Definitions:

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses from one neuron to another, influencing various functions such as mood, sleep, and heart rate.

Epigenetics

The study of heritable changes in gene expression that do not involve changes to the underlying DNA sequence.

Nature and Nurture

The debate regarding the relative contributions of genetic inheritance (nature) and environmental factors (nurture) to human development.

Heredity

The passing on of physical or mental characteristics genetically from one generation to another.