Question

A 33 year-old male patient presents to the endoscopy suite to determine if he has an ulcer. The physician performs a diagnostic scope through the esophagus, stomach and into the duodenum and jejunum. During the scope the patient has a severe drop in blood pressure and the physician discontinues the procedure, but not before observing and diagnosing a bleeding ulcer on the stomach lining as well a perforated ulcer in the jejunum. A repeat examination is planned. What is the purpose of the diagnostic scope performed by the physician?

1) To determine the presence of an ulcer
2) To treat the bleeding ulcer
3) To diagnose a perforated ulcer
4) To observe the stomach lining

Answer 1

The diagnostic scope is used to diagnose peptic ulcers, such as a gastric or duodenal ulcer, by allowing the physician to visually inspect the upper GI tract. The scope revealed a bleeding stomach ulcer and a perforated ulcer in the jejunum.

Step-by-step explanation:

The purpose of the diagnostic scope performed by the physician is to diagnose peptic ulcers, which can include a gastric ulcer in the stomach or a duodenal ulcer in the duodenum. By inserting an endoscope into the patient's upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the physician can visually inspect the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines for abnormalities such as ulcers. In this case, the scope allowed the physician to identify a bleeding ulcer in the stomach lining and a perforated ulcer in the jejunum. A repeat examination is planned likely to assess the severity and to determine the appropriate treatment options, which may include medications or surgery depending on the extent and severity of the ulcers.