Medical Diagnosis Symptoms Quiz

Study Notes

Abdominal Cramps and Diarrhea: A patient experiencing intermittent abdominal cramps and diarrhea should be assessed for food triggers, stool consistency changes, and potential for bloating or rectal bleeding. Consider also when the patient last ate and if they lie down after eating.
Arterial Ischemia Symptoms: In addition to pain, symptoms of acute arterial ischemia may include pulselessness, paresthesia, pallor, and paralysis.
Retroperitoneal Bleeding: Assessing a patient's abdominal wall color for signs of retroperitoneal bleeding involves checking for Cullen's sign (bluish discoloration around the umbilicus) and Grey Turner's sign (ecchymosis surrounding the flank).
Advanced Liver Disease Symptoms: Symptoms of advanced liver disease (particularly in a patient with chronic hepatitis B or C) include jaundice, hepatic encephalopathy, bleeding issues, and varicose veins. Ascites (fluid build-up) can also present.

Dietary Management: Treatment for gastroenteritis centers on a clear liquid diet, advanced slowly, with fluids and rest. Fiber should be avoided initially.

Definitive Test: A HIDA scan or abdominal ultrasound can serve as definitive diagnostic tests for cholecystitis.

Reduced Urination: If a patient is producing less urine than usual, medications they are currently taking should be elicited as part of the assessment.
UTI Symptoms: Symptoms include dysuria (painful urination), suprapubic tenderness (pain over the pubic area), fever, and increased confusion. A potential diagnosis is cystitis (bladder infection).

Potential Complications: Untreated cystitis may lead to pyelonephritis (kidney infection) or sepsis.

Early Detection: Prostate cancer may present with no symptoms in the early stages.

Kidney Stones: Penetrating, colicky pain is a hallmark symptom of kidney stones. Renal calculi (kidney stones) are another name for these.

Risk Factors: Smoking, diet, and chemical exposure are identified risk factors for bladder cancer.

Possible Conditions: Itching, discomfort, and bleeding after intercourse in a female patient may suggest conditions like a sexually transmitted infection or a vaginal/uterine disorder.