Full Answer Section

Cultural Implications

The cultural implications of peptic ulcer disease can vary depending on the population group. In some cultures, PUD is associated with stress and anxiety. In other cultures, PUD is associated with diet and lifestyle choices. For example, in some Asian cultures, PUD is associated with eating spicy foods.

Financial Implications

The financial implications of peptic ulcer disease can be significant. Patients with PUD may need to miss work due to their symptoms. They may also need to take medications to treat their condition, which can be expensive. Additionally, patients with PUD may have an increased risk of developing complications, such as bleeding, perforation, and obstruction, which can require hospitalization and surgery.

Environmental Implications

The environmental implications of peptic ulcer disease are primarily related to the use of NSAIDs. NSAIDs can pollute waterways and groundwater. Additionally, the production of NSAIDs requires the use of fossil fuels and other resources.

Priority Nursing Interventions

The following are three to five priority nursing interventions for a patient with peptic ulcer disease after discharge home:

1. Educate the patient about the disease process and its management. This includes teaching the patient about the importance of taking medications as prescribed, avoiding triggers such as NSAIDs and spicy foods, and eating a healthy diet.
2. Monitor the patient’s symptoms for signs of improvement or worsening. This includes monitoring the patient’s pain, appetite, weight, and bowel habits.
3. Assess the patient’s knowledge of and compliance with medications. This includes educating the patient about the side effects of medications and the importance of taking medications as prescribed.
4. Encourage the patient to make lifestyle changes that may help to prevent the recurrence of PUD. This includes avoiding NSAIDs, smoking, and excess alcohol consumption.
5. Provide the patient with emotional support and resources to help them cope with the disease process. This may include providing the patient with information about support groups and other resources.

Labs and Diagnostic Testing

The following labs and diagnostic testing may be monitored for a patient with peptic ulcer disease upon follow-up with their PCP:

• Complete blood count (CBC): A CBC can be used to monitor for anemia, which can be a complication of PUD.
• Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP): A CMP can be used to monitor for electrolyte imbalances, which can be a complication of PUD.
• H. pylori testing: H. pylori testing can be used to determine if the patient is infected with H. pylori, which is the most common cause of PUD.
• Gastroscopy: Gastroscopy is a procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end is inserted into the stomach to examine the stomach lining for signs of PUD.

Critical Indicators

The following are critical indicators that should be monitored for a patient with peptic ulcer disease:

• Severe pain: Severe pain is a sign of a bleeding ulcer or other complication.
• Black stool: Black stool is a sign of bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract.
• Hematemesis: Hematemesis is vomiting blood.
• Tachycardia: Tachycardia is a rapid heart rate, which can be a sign of blood loss or other complication.
• Hypotension: Hypotension is low blood pressure, which can be a sign of blood loss or other complication.

Interdisciplinary Team Members

The following interdisciplinary team members may need to be included for holistic patient-centered care of a patient with peptic ulcer disease:

• Primary care physician (PCP)
• Gastroenterologist: A gastroenterologist is a doctor who specializes in diseases of the digestive system.
• Surgeon: A surgeon may be needed if the patient develops a complication of PUD, such as bleeding, perforation, or obstruction.
• Dietitian: A dietitian can help the patient to develop a healthy diet that may help to prevent the recurrence of PUD.
• Pharmacist: A pharmacist can educate