Question

S.C. is a 38-year-old woman who presents with intermittent diarrhea with camping that is relieved by defecation. The diarrhea is not blood or accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Review of past medical history includes some childhood “problems with my stomach,” hypertension, and a recent cholecystectomy. She works as a housekeeper in a local inn and does not drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes.

1. List the specific goals for treatment for this patient.
2. What drug therapy would you prescribe?
3. What are the parameters for monitoring the success of the therapy?
4. Discuss specific patient education based on the prescribed therapy.
5. List one or two adverse reactions for the selected agent that would cause you to change therapy.
6. What would be the choice for second-line therapy?
7. What OTC or alternative medications would be appropriate for this patient?
8. What dietary and lifestyle changes would you recommend for this patient?
9. Describe one or two drug-drug or drug-food interactions for the selected agent.
10. Write your prescription for this patient.

Answer 1

#. The specific goals for treatment for this patient are :-

- To relieve pain

- To treat the disorder

- To have a normal defecation pattern

#. Drug therapy would include :-

- Antibiotics if required, based on the causative agent

- Antidiarrheal to prevent diarrhoea

- Analgesics to relieve pain

#. The parameters for monitoring the success of the therapy are :-

- Evaluation of the patient after therapy

- Assessment of the pain

- Use of questionnaire

#. Specific patient education :-

- Advice about the importance of healthy diet

- Hygiene maintainence

- Advice on the importance of regular follow up and compliance to the medications