The nurse is caring for a client who has been diagnosed with peptic ulcer disease. For Which complication would the nurse monitor?

A. Dyspepsia: Dyspepsia, or indigestion, is a common symptom of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) but is not considered a complication. It reflects irritation or inflammation of the gastric or duodenal mucosa rather than a severe pathological outcome requiring urgent intervention. B. Upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding: Upper GI bleeding is a serious and common complication of PUD. Ulceration erodes the gastric or duodenal mucosa and can penetrate blood vessels, leading to hematemesis or melena. This can result in hypovolemia, anemia, and shock if not promptly identified and treated, making vigilant monitoring for signs of bleeding essential. C. Gastric cancer: Although chronic H. pylori infection and long-standing ulcers can increase gastric cancer risk, malignancy is a less common and long-term risk rather than an immediate complication of PUD. Regular monitoring may be indicated in high-risk clients but it is not the acute complication the nurse would prioritize. D. Large bowel obstruction: Large bowel obstruction is not associated with PUD, as ulcers occur in the stomach or duodenum. Obstruction typically arises from colonic tumors, strictures, or adhesions, making this an unrelated complication in peptic ulcer disease.