Constipation and Diabetes Management
Gastrointestinal Function:
R.H. is a 74-year-old Black woman who presents with a one-month history of bloating and constipation. Previously, she had been very regular, but now she sometimes goes an entire week with only one bowel movement. As a result, she reports straining most of the time, with extremely hard stools, and it often takes at least 10 minutes to initiate a bowel movement. However, a recent colonoscopy was negative for tumors or other lesions. Additionally, she has not taken any medications to relieve her constipation.
Furthermore, she experiences frequent heartburn—three to four times per week—most often after going to bed. To manage this, she uses three pillows to sleep in a more upright position. Based on a friend’s advice, she purchased over-the-counter aluminum hydroxide tablets, which have provided some relief.
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Constipation and Diabetes Management
Case Study Questions
- In your own words define constipation and name the risk factors that might lead to develop constipation. List recommendations you would give to a patient who is suffering from constipation. You might use a previous experience you might have.
- Based on the clinical manifestations on R.H. case study, name and explain signs and symptoms presented that are compatible with the constipation diagnosis. Complement your list with signs and symptoms not present on the case study.
- Sometimes as an associate diagnosis and a complication, patients with constipation could have anemia. Would you consider that possibility based on the information provided on the case study?
Endocrine Function:
C.B. is a 48-year-old older woman from the Winnebago Indian cohort who had high blood sugar (141) and cholesterol (225) three years ago but did not pursue further care. She now reports weakness and numbness in her left foot for three weeks, increased thirst, and frequent nighttime urination. She attributes these to hot weather. C.B. has gained 65 pounds since her last pregnancy, including 15 pounds in the past six months. She also reports a history of recurrent “female infections.”
Case Study Questions
- In which race and ethnic groups is DM more prevalent? Based on C.B. clinical manifestations, please compile the signs and symptoms that she is exhibiting that are compatible with the Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 diagnosis.
- If C.B. develop a bacterial pneumonia on her right lower lobe, how would you expect her Glycemia values to be? Explain and support your answer.
- What would be the best initial therapy non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic to be recommended to C.B?
Submission Instructions:
- You must complete both case studies.
- Your initial post should be at least 500 words, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources.
