Investigations | Potential results | Clinical management plan: abnormal results |
---|---|---|
Dietary/lifestyle/medications assessment | Inadequate fibre intake Reduced general exercise Drug induced, eg,
|
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Abdominal/rectal examination | Anal fissure |
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Routine blood screen and additional blood screen | Dehydration | Encourage oral fluid intake. |
Hypothyroidism |
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Elevated calcium | Follow management (page 2). | |
Abdominal X-ray | Faecal loading/faecal impaction |
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Transit study | Slow GI transit | Discuss and refer to a gastroenterologist routinely. |
Colonoscopy/CT pneumocolon if new onset Flexible sigmoidoscopy for longstanding problems | Newly diagnosed neoplasm | Discuss and refer to oncology team, requesting appointment within 2 weeks. |
Newly diagnosed IBD | If mild or moderate, refer within 2 weeks to a gastroenterologist. If severe, this is an emergency—discuss immediately with a gastroenterologist. | |
Anastomotic stricturing | Discuss with supervising clinician. | |
Anterior resection syndrome |
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GI, gastrointestinal; GP, general practitioner; GTN, glyceril trinitrate; IBD, inflammatory bowel disease.