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 a perforation is abdominal pain that is severe with a sudden onset.
• Bloody stools indicate GI bleeding, but it is not indicative of perforation.
• Bowel sounds may be absent, but this varies.
• Pulses are often weak and rapid when a perforation occurs.