A 71-year-old woman presents with a 4-week history of dyspepsia and abdominal pain that she describes as gnawing
A 71-year-old woman presents with a 4-week history of dyspepsia and abdominal pain that she describes as gnawing. She states that for years, she has had occasional heartburn, but she cannot recall having abdominal pain. She states that she also has arthritis and has taken Motrin every day for the past 2 years. For her stomach pain, she has been taking Tums extra strength a couple of times a day. She states that the pain began soon after visiting her sister, who is a nurse at a mission in Nicaragua.
Chief Complaint: “My stomach hurts and wakes me up from my sleep. I find myself belching after meals, and I feel bloated.”
Objective: Blood pressure (BP) 118/70 mm Hg, heart rate (HR) 90 beats/min, respiratory rate of 18 breaths/min, BMI 29.
Please answer the following questions
- What are the differential diagnoses should b considered
- What will laboratory tests help rule out some of the differential diagnoses?
- What is the treatment and specific information on the prescription you will give to this patient?
- What are the potential complications from the treatment ordered?
- What additional patient teaching may be needed?
- What type of specialist will be consulted for this patient
