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Daily Free Practice Question
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Updated on: 8/4/2025
A patient with suspected peptic ulcer disease undergoes upper endoscopy. An ulcer is identified on the posterior wall of the duodenal bulb. What clinical feature is most consistent with this finding?
Rationale
AANP Domain Level: Assess
ANCC Domain Level: Assessment
Focus Area: HEENT
Duodenal ulcers typically cause epigastric pain that worsens a few hours after eating and improves with food intake, as food helps neutralize stomach acid temporarily. Ulcers in the duodenal bulb are classic for this symptom pattern. In contrast, gastric (peptic) ulcers usually cause pain that worsens immediately after eating due to direct irritation of the stomach lining. Weight loss and early satiety are more common with gastric ulcers or malignancy. Hematemesis can occur in either ulcer type but is not the most consistent initial symptom for duodenal ulcers.
Study Tip:
Duodenal ulcer pain typically occurs a few hours after eating and is relieved by food, while gastric ulcer pain usually worsens immediately after eating.