Question

Uncle Mark, the family’s favorite uncle, choked on a turkey bone during the Thanksgiving Dinner. He was able to get the bone up but started vomiting blood and he was taken to the hospital. During his hospitalization, his niece Kim and nephew Mike came to see him. Mike stated, “Uncle Mark has man-boobs! And a really weird tan.” Kim said, “He looks orange to me, and his beer belly has gotten really big. He has red spots all over his nose and cheeks. He seems confused too. He said Aunt Tammy was watching his dog, but Aunt Tammy has been dead for two years.”

1. What medical problem do you think Uncle Mark has?
2. Explain the pathological causes of Uncle Mark’s abnormal physical symptoms.
3. What is the prognosis (forecast of the likely outcome) for Uncle Mark?
4. If you were the nurse what lifestyle change would you recommend for Mark (list one)?

Answer 1

1. The medical problem associated with him is Hematemesis related to oesophageal rupture.

2. His abnormal physical symptoms like big belly due internal bleeding, confusion related to Hematemesis, red spots related to cold and clammy skin related to blood loss.

3.The prognosis will be good with correction of the underlying cause like internal bleeding.stomach wash to remove the swallowed blood, and blood replacement will bring with better prognosis.

4.in order to prevent anemia, he should concentrate on iron rich foods,and fluid maintenance.