Topic Info - BotMed Application

TopicName

Constipation

ClinicalTests

electrolytes (low K, high Ca, low Mg);
PTH (hyperparathyroidism -> high Ca -> constipation);
high TSH (low thyroid function);
FOBT (blood in stool);
Stool for fat;
CPR/ESR (inflammatory markers);
CEA; hCG; CA-125; AFP;
Urine toxicology;

ImagingStudies

x-ray of abdomen (check abstraction);
CT of abdomen with IV and oral contract (malignancy);
Colonoscopy with biopsy (diverticulitis, colon cancer, tumor);

PhysicalExams

Vital signs; 
relevant thyroid/endocrine exam; 
abdominal and rectal exams; 
± female pelvic exam.

Comment

Frequency, color, odor, and volume of stools; presence of mucus or flatulence; whether stools float in bowl; duration of change in bowel habits; associated symptoms (constitutional, abdominal pain, bloating, tenesmus, sense of incomplete evacuation, melena or hematochezia); thyroid disease symptoms (eg, feeling hot, palpitations, weight loss); diet (especially fiber and fluid intake); medications (including recent antibiotics); sick contacts, travel, camping, HIV risk factors; history of abdominal surgeries, diabetes, pancreatitis; alcohol and drug use; family history of colon cancer.

WebLink

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2011/0801/p299.html