Pathophysiology Assignment 2022

Running head: PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 1
Pathophysiology
Students Name
Institutional Affiliation

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Duodenal Ulcer
Pathophysiology
Duodenal ulcer result from damage or erosion of the protective lining of the duodenal
mucosa. Epithelial cells situated in the duodenum produce mucus as a defensive mechanism due
to epithelial irritation (Pietroiust, Gomez, & Luzzi, 2017). Once there is a physiologic imbalance
between aggressive factors and defensive mechanism; mucosal damage takes place. Injury to the
duodenum enhances H. Pylori growth and inflammation. H. Pylori impairs the ability of the
duodenal bulb to counteract the acidity entering from the stomach, causing an ulcer to develop.
Signs and symptoms
The client reports heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and feeling lightheaded.
Assessment and diagnostic findings
A physical examination may reveal a mild epigastric tenderness on palpation. Clients with a
perforated duodenal ulcer manifest with a severe, sharp abdominal pain. The client may also
present with rebound tenderness, rigidity and guarding during an abdominal examination. A
barium study may reveal an ulcer. This entails drinking barium containing substance as an x-ray
is taken; the barium makes it easy for the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) to be seen more clearly.
Endoscopy can be performed to expose lesions that were not observed during x-ray (Sung, Yung,
& Chiu, 2016). Through direct endoscopy visualization of ulcers and lesions is achieved, and a
suspicious lesion can be obtained by biopsy. H. pylori may be confirmed through a breath test
that detects the bacteria or serological test for antibodies produced as a result of H. pylori
antigen.

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Pharmacologic recommendation
Currently, a combination of antibiotics has been used in the treatment of ulcers. The strongly
recommended drug is amoxicillin.
Drug class
Amoxicillin is an antiulcer and anti-infective agent. It is classified as an aminopenicillin.
Indication
It is mostly indicated in the management ulcer disease caused by H. pylori infection,
respiratory infections, endocarditis and genitourinary infections (Sung, Yung, & Chiu, 2016).
Action
Amoxicillin adheres to the bacterial cell wall, causing cell death.
Side effects
In the GIT system, it causes nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea and increased liver enzyme. High
doses of amoxicillin may cause seizures. Miscellaneous side effects include superinfections,
anaphylaxis and serum sickness.
Contraindication
Amoxicillin is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to penicillin such as the cephalosporin
and the beta-lactam. It should be used cautiously in severe renal insufficiency, lymphocytic
leukaemia and infectious mononucleosis (Sung, Yung, & Chiu, 2016).