GI Assessment Flashcards
When should constipation be referred on?
- blood/tarry stools
- unexplained and persistent constipation
When should diarrhea be referred on?
- adults > 2days OR children >24 hours
- dehydration
- bloody/dark stool
- severe abdominal pain
- fever
- severely watery /clear diarrhea
What are the steps to C. difficile testing?
- check for glutamate dehydrogenase antigen
- PCR confirmatory test
What must be present to perform a C. difficile test?
stool MUST be liquid
Why is a second confirmatory test needed for C. difficile?
test is sensitive but not specific; first test has false positives
What does a fecal occult blood test tell you?
presence of blood in the stool NOT the cause
What should be added is there is a significant loss of blood the GI tract? Why?
short-term PPI; decrease acidic environment –> clotting factors not degraded–> promotes healing
How many points is a bilirubin <2?
1
How many points is a bilirubin 2-3?
2
How many points is a bilirubin >3?
3
How many points is an Albumin >3.5?
1
How many points is a albumin 2.8-3.5?
2
How many points is a albumin <2.8?
3
How many points is a INR<1.7?
1
How many points is an INR 1.7-2.3?
2