A patient is being examined for a suspected peptic ulcer. The nurse knows that what symptom indicates a duodenal ulcer rather than a gastric ulcer?
Explanation
• With duodenal ulcers, pain is relieved during meal time due to the closure of the pyloric sphincter. Pain will manifest about 2-3 hours after a meal when the pylorus opens and releases gastric contents into the small intestine.
• With gastric ulcers, pain is intensified with meals due to the release of gastric acid.
• Hematemesis and nausea can occur with both types of ulcers.