Unit 4 Discussion

Digestive Function

Read the following case study and answer the posed questions

Case #1:  A 64-year-old man presents to the emergency department (Links to an external site.) with abdominal pain and distention, as well as constipation of 8 days’ duration. He denies vomiting, fever, diarrhea, or dysuria. Except for hypertension, he is otherwise healthy with no prior surgeries.

His vital signs are normal except for a borderline pulse of 99 bpm. His physical examination is unremarkable except for his abdomen, which is large, rotund, and tympanitic. There is diffuse tenderness everywhere in the abdomen.

What history would you want to obtain?

What differential diagnoses would you consider?

List and describe the specific diagnostic tests you might order to determine cause of his concern?

 

Case #2:

Kyle is a 58-year-old man who is experiencing lower abdominal discomfort nausea and diarrhea lasting 2 days. He thought he had eaten something that “disturbed his stomach” but since this has lasted so long, he is afraid it’s something serious.

As you obtain a history from this patient what differential diagnoses are you considering. Give rational for your choices.

Discuss the pathophysiologic relationship between nausea and vomiting?

Three days after Kyle’s initial visit his labs confirmed a diagnosis of cirrhosis.

Discuss the pathophysiologic relationship between cirrhosis and portal hypertension.

Cite current research findings, national guidelines, and expert opinions and controversies found in the medical and nursing literature to support your position and suggestions.

Responses need to address all components of the question, demonstrate critical thinking and analysis, and include peer reviewed journal evidence to support the student’s position.

Please be sure to validate your opinions and ideas with citations and references in APA format.

Please review the rubric to ensure that your response meets the criteria.

Estimated time to complete: 2 hours

Discussion Peer/Participation Prompt [Due Sunday]

Please respond to at least 2 of your peer’s posts.  To ensure that your responses are substantive, use at least three of these prompts:

Do you agree with your peers’ diagnosis?

Take an alternate view and offer a potential alternate approach.

Share your thoughts on how you support their opinion and explain why.

Present new references that support your opinions.

Responses need to address all components of the question, demonstrate critical thinking and analysis, and include peer reviewed journal evidence to support the student’s position. Herzing NU621 Unit 4 Discussion Advanced Pathophysiology: Case Study: Patient with lower abdominal discomfort nausea

 

MORE INFO 

Lower abdominal discomfort nausea

Introduction

You’ve had abdominal discomfort nausea for a while, and you’re worried that something serious is going on. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common causes of lower abdominal pain nausea and what you should do if they are not resolved by taking over-the-counter medications or seeing your doctor.

You may have a urinary tract infection or a yeast infection.

You may have a urinary tract infection or a yeast infection. Urinary tract infections are common, especially in women. They’re caused by bacteria that get into the bladder and block it from emptying properly. Yeast infections are also common, especially in young children and pregnant women.

You can get both types of infections from vaginal intercourse (intercourse), but they can also be spread from one partner to another during oral sex (oral).

You could be pregnant.

• You could be pregnant.

• If you’re concerned that you might be pregnant, talk to your doctor or go to a walk-in clinic for a pregnancy test. The signs of pregnancy include:

• Morning sickness (vomiting) that comes on suddenly and lasts several days

• Fatigue and feeling overwhelmed by the amount of food you need to eat every day

• Breast tenderness or swelling in one area of the breast (called engorgement)

Call your doctor and make an appointment to find out what’s going on.

If you are experiencing abdominal discomfort and nausea, it is important to contact your doctor. They will know how to treat the issue and help prevent further complications from occurring.

If an appointment has already been made for you with a doctor or other medical professional, make sure that they see you as soon as possible so they can begin treatment right away. In addition to this being beneficial for yourself, waiting too long could mean that something more serious is going on which could result in permanent damage if left untreated.

Conclusion

If you’re experiencing this kind of abdominal pain and nausea, make sure that you get it checked out. You should also tell your doctor if the symptoms are getting worse or if they’ve lasted for more than two weeks.