A 72 year old man presents to his general practice with abdominal cramps and loose stools for 1 week. He recently had a fall and sustained a laceration. This became infected and was treated.
How would he initially be assessed? (5)
What are the potential causes? (10)
If it was due to a suspected infective cause what potential management options would be employed? (10)
The instructions:
1500 words
This question should be answered in essay form engaging with the literature to back up statements and evidence given
Introduction
3-5 sentences to introduce the scenario and the assignment
Assessment
Primary
Firstly deal with any acute symptoms
Patients hydration state
Secondary
SOCRATES
Observation
Disease pathology
Then conduct your differential diagnosis
From reading the literature identify 4-5 possible diagnosis
Discuss each one and the tests that you might do etc
Discuss infective cause and management
Conclusion summarise no new information