When you have perforated gastric ulcer, that is the patient’s manifestation?
The correct answer and explanation is:
A perforated gastric ulcer is a medical emergency that occurs when an ulcer in the stomach wall breaks through, causing the contents of the stomach to spill into the abdominal cavity. This leads to peritonitis, which is inflammation of the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity.
The most common manifestation of a perforated gastric ulcer is sudden, severe, and sharp abdominal pain, often described as a “knife-like” pain. This pain typically occurs in the upper abdomen, and it may radiate to the back or shoulders. The pain is often intense and can worsen with movement or deep breathing. The patient may also experience bloating, nausea, and vomiting.
In addition to the severe pain, other symptoms include fever, tachycardia (rapid heart rate), hypotension (low blood pressure), and signs of shock, such as cold, clammy skin. The patient may exhibit symptoms of acute distress and may have difficulty breathing or moving due to the abdominal pain.
The abdominal muscles may become rigid or “board-like” due to peritoneal irritation. This is a key sign of peritonitis, which can be a life-threatening complication of a perforated ulcer. In some cases, patients may experience nausea or vomiting, which may contain food or bile, depending on the extent of the ulceration.
Diagnostic tests, such as an abdominal X-ray or CT scan, can confirm the diagnosis by showing the presence of free air in the abdominal cavity, a sign of perforation. Immediate medical intervention is required, which usually includes intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and surgical repair of the ulcer to prevent further complications like sepsis.