National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

Which of the following symptoms is associated with peptic ulcer disease?

1. Coffee-ground emesis

2. Dry cough

3. Acute abdominal pain

4. Fever

The correct answer is: Coffee-ground emesis

Peptic ulcer disease is characterized by the presence of either gastric or duodenal ulcers, which can lead to a range of gastrointestinal symptoms. One of the classic symptoms is coffee-ground emesis, which refers to vomiting that resembles coffee grounds due to the presence of altered blood. This occurs when there is bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, and the blood is partially digested, leading to this characteristic appearance. Coffee-ground emesis is a significant clinical finding that indicates possible ulceration or erosion of the gastric mucosa, often due to excessive stomach acid or the presence of Helicobacter pylori. This symptom can also point to severe complications associated with peptic ulcers, such as perforation or hemorrhage. Other symptoms associated with peptic ulcer disease might include pain in the stomach area or symptoms related to digestive upset, but coffee-ground emesis specifically highlights the acute consequence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Understanding this symptom is crucial for identifying the severe manifestations of peptic ulcer disease and guiding appropriate medical intervention.