Hca 240 Checkpoint: Diagnosis And Treatment

“Doctor, I have been having severe pain in my abdominal area."

"I have been throwing up for several days now and have nausea all the time."

"I have been under a lot of stress lately because of school, work and the kids."

Sarah McEachern

I believe that Sarah is suffering from a Peptic Ulcer, I agree with Dr. Abbott. The tests that are involved to diagnose an ulcer can depend on the severity of the symptoms and the ulcer. The test could include a test for H. Pylori; this test depends on your situation. This test will determine if bacterium H. pylori is present in your body. There is a breath test, a stool test, or a blood test. The breath test involves drinking a small glass of clear liquid that contains radioactive carbon, after a while you will be required to breath into a bag to test for carbon dioxide. Other tests include an endoscopy, which examines your upper digestive system. The scope for this test is inserted down your throat into your esophagus. The doctor can detect if you have any ulcers, and is able to take a biopsy. An x-ray of your upper digestive system can also be done by swallowing a white liquid contain barium to coat the digestive tract, so that the ulcers are visible.

The treatment for a peptic ulcer will include antibiotics to kill the H.pylori bacterium, and medication to reduce acids levels. Test will be done to see if the ulcers are healing. The patient will be instructed to change areas in your life that affects the ulcer. Diet, smoking, or drinking, and stress can affect the healing process of the ulcer. You will be advised about certain medications that you are currently taking that may affect the ulcer also. A complete lifestyle change will be necessary in order for the ulcer to heal properly.

Reference

Mulvihill, M. L., Zelman, M., Holdaway, P., Tompary, E., & Raymond, J. (2006). Human diseases: A systemic approach (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.

McEachern,S. (28, July 2011). []. Message...