Final answer:
The ICD code for a patient with an acute gastric ulcer featuring hemorrhage and perforation is K25.4. Perforated ulcers are considered an emergency requiring surgical repair, and prevention involves reducing factors that harm the stomach's protective mucus lining.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer for a patient admitted with an acute gastric ulcer with hemorrhage and perforation is b) K25.4. Acute gastric ulcers with both hemorrhage and perforation are coded as K25.4 according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). Perforation of gastric ulcers is a serious medical condition where an ulcer creates a hole in the stomach wall, leading to peritonitis, which is the inflammation of the peritoneum. This can be caused by the erosion of the stomach's mucus lining. Emergency surgery is needed to repair a perforated ulcer because of the risk of infection and severe inflammation.
Prevention strategies for ulcers include avoiding the ingestion of items that increase the stomach acid content or that cause degradation of the protective mucus lining of the stomach. Treatment of peptic ulcers includes antibiotics for H. pylori infection and medications to decrease stomach acid and aid healing. However, in the case of perforation and active bleeding, prompt surgical intervention becomes necessary.