What symptom would the nurse assess to determine if a duodenal ulcer is currently active?

For an active duodenal ulcer, one of the hallmark symptoms to assess for is epigastric pain that is often temporarily relieved by the intake of food. This occurs because food can buffer gastric acid and provide a temporary protective effect on the ulcer, leading to a decrease in pain following a meal.

Understanding the pattern of this pain is crucial. Patients typically experience pain that is gnawing or burning in nature, which tends to occur a few hours after eating, leading them to seek relief by consuming food.

In contrast, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or weight loss can occur with various gastrointestinal conditions, but they do not specifically indicate that a duodenal ulcer is currently active. Additionally, pain radiating down the right arm is generally not associated with duodenal ulcers and is often indicative of cardiac issues. Hence, the pattern of pain relieved by food intake is the most specific indicator of an active duodenal ulcer.