Team B: Peptic Ulcer and Peritonitis

Week 12 Discussion Team B Worksheet (Word)

Ms. X., age 76, has been admitted to the emergency department with severe generalized abdominal pain and vomiting. No significant findings were immediately evident to indicate a cause, so she was admitted. Six hours later, Ms. X.’s blood pressure began to drop, and her pulse was rapid but thready. Exploratory abdominal surgery revealed a perforated gastric ulcer and peritonitis.

• . Describe the process by which an ulcer develops. Are ulcers limited to the stomach or can they occur elsewhere in the GI system? If so, where?
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• . Suggest several possible factors contributing to ulcer formation. What questions would you want to as Ms. X. to determine her risk for gastric ulcers?
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• . Explain why peptic ulcer may not be diagnosed in an early stage of development. In other words, why were there not any initial significant findings?
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• . During her admission, Ms. X. continued to decompensate, and developed bacterial peritonitis. Describe the process of perforation of an ulcer and how this can lead to complications, including bacterial peritonitis.
• Explain why Ms. X. showed signs of shock. Which type of shock would you expect?
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• . Ms. X. was given antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and intravenous alimentation (total parenteral nutrition). Explain how each of these treatments functions to return Ms. X. to a more homeostatic state.