Reference no: EM133869275

Case Scenario: (put all the references)

Pedro Jose is 44 years old and has a history of Inflammatory bowel disease, specifically ulcerative colitis. He works as a sales representative and travels frequently as part of his job. Recently, while on vacation, he began to experience significant abdominal pain. At first, he associated the pain with the stresses of traveling and his ability to maintain an appropriate diet. He has now been experiencing abdominal pain and diarrhea for the past 5 days.

On Examination, patient Jose's vital signs are Temperature 101F, BP 146/96 mmHg, HR 100/min, RR 20/min. He has been experiencing diarrhea (more than six stools per day). Accompanied by abdominal pain for the past 5 days. He reports drinking "some" fluids but has eaten little food, as he lacks appetite and has nausea. Disease exacerbation is typically treated with corticosteroid therapy and sulfasalazine.

Laboratory findings includes the following:

RBC (red blood cells): 3.5 million cells/mL

Hemoglobin sedimentation: 9.2 g/dL

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate: 40 mm/hour

C-reactive protein: 130 mg/L

1. Which of the four cardinal signs and symptoms of GI system disorders is patient Jose experiencing?
2. Is patient Jose more likely to be experiencing small-volume or large-volume diarrhea?
3. What findings suggest that the patient is dehydrated?
4. For what potentially life-threatening condition should be monitored?
5. How can you interpret the laboratory findings of patient Jose?
6. Which laboratory test should be monitored during his treatment to determine whether inflammation is decreasing?
7. Identify treatment goals for patient Jose.