Finding into death of Linda Tucker
Deceased
Linda Tucker
Demographics
62y, female
Date of death
2014-12-06
Finding date
2016-06-07
Cause of death
Stomach perforation complicating recurrent pseudo-obstruction of the bowel
AI-generated summary
Linda Tucker, a 62-year-old woman with intellectual disability and history of recurrent pseudo-obstruction, presented with acute abdominal distension and was admitted to hospital with findings suspicious of perforation. She rapidly deteriorated and died from stomach perforation complicating pseudo-bowel obstruction. The coroner found no issues with care provided by Western Health or DHHS. Clinical lessons include recognition that pseudo-obstruction can progress to perforation; careful monitoring of distended abdomens in vulnerable populations with limited communication; and consideration of early surgical intervention in rapidly deteriorating patients with radiological evidence of perforation. The patient's non-verbal status and intellectual disability required careful observation by support staff for signs of acute illness.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Drugs involved
Contributing factors
- Recurrent pseudo-obstruction of bowel
- Acquired brain injury from infantile meningitis
- Marked abdominal distension
- Rapid clinical deterioration
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