Question

a patient presents with signs of moderate anemia and complains of an upset stomach. her lab results reveal a positive h. pylori test. this patient is likely suffering from a/an

Answer 1

The patient with moderate anemia and positive H. pylori test likely has a peptic ulcer caused by the H. pylori bacterium, which is commonly associated with gastric and duodenal ulcers and can lead to anemia due to blood loss.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient presenting with signs of moderate anemia and a positive H. pylori test is likely suffering from a peptic ulcer. This is an ulcer in the lining of the stomach or duodenum most often caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that can survive the acidic environment of the stomach by producing urease which modifies the local acidity.

An infection with H. pylori is significant because it is linked to a higher risk of developing stomach cancer and can cause chronic gastritis, which may result in ulcers leading to blood loss anemias. Furthermore, the presence of H. pylori is found in about 80% of gastric ulcers and over 90% of duodenal ulcers. Treatment for an H. pylori infection typically involves a course of antibiotics to eradicate the bacterium.