A patient with peptic ulcers is admitted to the hospital for a suspected perforation. While assessing the patient, the nurse would expect which common symptom of this complication?

Explanation

• The most indicative symptom of perforation is severe abdominal pain with sudden onset

• Bloody stools indicate GI bleeding, but is not indicative of perforation

• Bowel sounds may be absent, but this varies

• Pulses are often weak and rapid when a perforation occurs

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