Topic 1: Differentiation and Management of Abdomen, Anus/Rectum, and Genitourinary Disorders
Please select a disorder of the GU, abdomen, anus/rectum systems (pelvic inflammatory disease, cervicitis, STDs, UTI, prostatitis, balanitis, urethritis, epididymitis, testicular torsion, hydrocele, epispadias, rectal prolapse, hemorrhoids, GERD, appendicitis, cholecystitis) and answer the following questions:
- What are the presenting symptoms?
- How is it distinguished from other similar disorders (assessment findings, common in particular age/sex or ethnic group, etc.)?
- What is your first intervention?
- How will you confirm the diagnosis?
- What is the appropriate treatment?
- Write a prescription to treat the illness (if applicable or refer to appropriate specialty if needed) that includes (patient name, date, name of drug, dose, and strength, quantity to dispense, directions of how often to take the medicine, and number of refills).
- When will you schedule a follow-up appointment and what is your plan on the follow up visit?
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The following answer is for a medical college assignment dealing with the differentiation and management of abdomen, anus/rectum, and genitourinary disorders. The focus is on presenting symptoms, distinguishing the disorder from similar disorders, initial interventions, confirming diagnosis, appropriate treatment, prescription writing, and follow-up appointments.
Answer:
Disorder: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
1. Presenting symptoms:
Patients with UTIs may experience a strong, persistent urge to urinate; a burning sensation when urinating; passing frequent, small amounts of urine; cloudy, dark, bloody, or strong-smelling urine; feeling tired or shaky; and fever or chills.
2. Distinguishing from other similar disorders:
UTIs are typically identified through the presence of bacteria in urine cultures. The presence of pyuria, leukocyte esterase on urinalysis, or nitrites in the urine can support the diagnosis of a UTI.
3. First intervention:
The first intervention for UTI is usually empiric antibiotic therapy. Patients should also be advised to consume plenty of fluids and avoid irritants like caffeine and alcohol.
4. Confirming diagnosis:
Diagnosis of UTI is confirmed through a positive urine culture.
5. Appropriate treatment:
The appropriate treatment for UTI is oral antibiotics for 3 to 7 days, depending on patient factors such as age, sex, and pregnancy status.
6. Prescription:
For UTI, I would prescribe Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole DS (800-160 mg) tablets, take one tablet orally twice daily for seven days.
Patient Name: [insert patient name]
Date: [insert date]
Drug Name: Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole DS (800-160 mg) tablets
Dose and Strength: Take one tablet orally twice daily
Quantity: 14 tablets
Directions: Take with food
Number of Refills: None
7. Follow-up appointment and plan:
For UTIs, a follow-up appointment is generally not required if the patient is improving within two to three days of starting antibiotics. If the patient is not improving, or if symptoms worsen, the patient should schedule a follow-up visit within one to two days.