Pediatric Emergency Nursing PICO Questions Related

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Mr. Garcia, a 41-year old chronic alcohol drinker is admitted to the hospital after vomiting bright red blood. He was diagnosed to have a bleeding gastric ulcer and suddenly develops sudden sharp pain in the midepigastric region with a rigid boardlike abdomen. This likely indicates:

  • A. development of intestinal
  • B. inflammation of the esophagus
  • C. perforation of the ulcer
  • D. development of additional ulcers
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The sudden sharp pain in the midepigastric region with a rigid boardlike abdomen in a patient with a bleeding gastric ulcer, especially in the setting of chronic alcohol use, is indicative of a perforation of the ulcer. Perforation occurs when the ulcer penetrates through the wall of the stomach or duodenum, leading to the leakage of gastric contents into the peritoneal cavity. This results in peritonitis, causing severe abdominal pain and rigidity. Perforation of the ulcer is a surgical emergency requiring immediate intervention to repair the perforation, control the infection, and prevent further complications like sepsis. It is a life-threatening condition that necessitates prompt diagnosis and management.