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