NR511 Final Exam Review: Differential Diagnosis and Primary Care Practicum Questions And Answers | Rated 100% Correct!!

Diagnosis and Management of Common Gastrointestinal Disorders and Anemia  Ulcerative colitis - a disease only of the colon o Inflammatory bowel disease-the mucosal surface of the colon is inflamedmost often occurs in the rectosigmoid areas and must involve the entire colon o Results in friability, erosions, and bleeding o Occurs in the rectum and sigmoid colon o Characterized by bloody and purulent diarrhea o While it is not the first treatment choice, total colectomy is a treatment option that can completely resolve this problem.  Diverticulitis o Patients with diverticulitis may present with bleeding not associated with pain or discomfort. o Is associated with obesity-these patients are at higher risk o When the diverticula become inflamed, there are usual signs and symptoms of infection-fever, chills, and tachycardia, painless bloody stools o Patients typically present with localized pain and tenderness in the LLQ of the abdomen with associated anorexia, nausea, and vomiting. o CT scan with contrast (esp. with females) may sometimes be done to r/o if the gynecologic etiology (such as ovarian cyst or tumor) as well as bowel pathology such as abdominal abscess o A high-fiber diet is the best management  Clostridium difficile o Infection of the large intestine o Exists in air, water, soil, processed food and human feces o Causes profuse, watery, mucoid diarrhea o Certain types can be dangerous or life-threatening if not treated o Risk factors:  Working in a healthcare facility  Long duration hospitalization  Long-term use of antibiotics that affects normal GI flora  Long-term use of medications that reduce GI acidity (PPIs)  Consumption of contaminated food or water  Touching infected soil, objects, and surfaces  Older adults will become dehydrated quickly o Patient may be asymptomatic o Generally profuse, watery, mucoid diarrhea o Mild to moderate infection:  Watery diarrhea three or more times/day for two or more days  Mild abdominal cramping and tenderness o Severe infection:  Watery diarrhea (10-15 stools/day)  Strong foul odor  Acute abdomen secondary to toxic megacolon with perforation  Abdominal distention  Feve