Investigations For Diarrhoea And Constipation Flashcards
(13 cards)
When are routine investigations for diarrhoea normally required?
When the patient is unwell.
What does NICE recommend for stool samples in primary care?
In the following scenarios:
* Patient is systemically unwell and needs hospital admission, +/- antibiotics
* Blood or pus in the stool
* Immunocompromised
* Recently received antibiotics, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) or been in hospital
* Recent foreign travel
* Public health indication: diarrhoea in high-risk people, suspected food poisoning
What are the scenarios that require stool culture?
If the patient is:
* Systemically unwell
* Blood or pus in stool
* Immunocompromised
* Recently received antibiotics, PPI, or been in hospital
* Recently traveled abroad
* High-risk for public health concerns
Are blood tests routinely indicated in cases of diarrhoea?
No, blood tests are not routinely indicated.
What may blood tests show in severe cases of diarrhoea?
They may show:
* Acute kidney injury
* Hypokalaemia
* Hyponatraemia
What is the first-line laxative for constipation?
Bulk-forming laxative, such as ispaghula.
What is the second-line laxative for constipation?
Osmotic laxative, such as macrogol.
What are some complications of constipation?
Complications include:
* Overflow diarrhoea
* Acute urinary retention
* Haemorrhoids
Fill in the blank: The first-line laxative for constipation is _______.
bulk-forming laxative.
True or False: Blood tests are always required for patients with diarrhoea.
False.
What is the intial investigation for patient with pain relieved by defaecation?
Likely to be IBS:
antibody tests for coeliac disease would be an appropriate investigation according to NICE
When is biopsy performed for coeliac disease?
AFTER all serology tests have been performed
What are the serology tests for coeliac disease?
