Peptic Ulcer Disease: The Daily PANCE Blueprint

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Peptic ulcer disease: The Daily PANCE Blueprint

Which of the following best describes the typical pain pattern associated with duodenal ulcers?

A. Pain that is most severe immediately after meals and improves with time
B. Pain that is constant and unrelated to meals
C. Burning, substernal chest pain (heartburn) worsened by lying flat
D. Pain that worsens just before meals and is relieved by eating
E. Sharp, stabbing epigastric pain that radiates to the back

Answer and topic summary

The answer is D. Pain that worsens just before meals and is relieved by eating

 Duodenal ulcer (food classically decreases pain; think Duodenum = Decreased pain with food)

Gastric ulcer (food classically causes pain)

Duodenal ulcers often present with a gnawing or burning epigastric pain that worsens when the stomach is empty and improves with food intake. This is because food buffers the stomach acid that irritates the ulcer. Antacids can also provide temporary relief by neutralizing stomach acid.

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Smarty PANCE Content Blueprint Review:

Covered under ⇒ PANCE Blueprint GI and Nutrition ⇒ Gastric Disorders ⇒ Peptic ulcer disease

Also covered as part of the Internal Medicine EOR, Emergency Medicine EOR, Family Medicine EOR, and General Surgery EOR topic list