In the discussed case, the patient HL presents with such symptoms as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other factors that may contribute to the diagnosis are that the patient has a history of abusing drugs, and HL possibly has Hepatitis C. It is known that they take Synthroid (100 mcg daily), Nifedipine (30 mg daily), and Prednisone (10 mg daily). This paper presents a possible diagnosis and treatment plan for HL.
Diagnosis and Drug Therapy Plan
Such symptoms as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting can be signs of many disorders. Thus, a more thorough physical examination is necessary to support the diagnosis. Moreover, the patient is taking several medications (Synthroid and Prednisone) that often cause the same symptoms to appear (Drugs.com, 2020a; Drugs.com, 2020b). However, these problems are mostly caused by an inflammation of the gastrointestinal system, suggesting the primary diagnosis of acute gastroenteritis (stomach flu). This infection usually develops when a person either interacts with an infected individual or by drinking or eating contaminated food or water (Bányai et al., 2018). Common signs are non-bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and low-grade fever (Stuempfig & Seroy, 2020).
As it is a viral condition, it is not treated with antibiotics; anti motility drugs (such as loperamide) are also not recommended (Bányai et al., 2018; Stuempfig & Seroy, 2020). A potential prescription is a bifidobacterium and lactobacillus (Probiotic Formula, 1 capsule orally daily) – a combination of probiotics and prebiotics that help with diarrhea and the overall health of the gastrointestinal system (Gonzalez-Ochoa et al., 2017; Kanauchi et al., 2018). HL should continue taking prescribed medications, but they may lower the dosage of prednisone to 5 mg daily to see whether it will affect the symptoms (Drugs.com, 2020b). If the symptoms persist for more than 5 days, the patient should return to the clinic for further assessment (Bányai et al., 2018).
Conclusion
Such symptoms as vomiting and diarrhea can signify a variety of conditions, and it is vital to collect more information about the patient to avoid making incorrect decisions. A primary diagnosis is an acute gastroenteritis, and the treatment is based on symptom management with bifidobacterium and lactobacillus. However, if the symptoms do not subside, it may signify a more serious condition that requires diagnostic tests and other drugs.
References
Bányai, K., Estes, M. K., Martella, V., & Parashar, U. D. (2018). Viral gastroenteritis. The Lancet, 392(10142), 175-186. Web.
Drugs. (2020a). Synthroid side effects. Web.
Drugs. (2020b). Prednisone side effects. Web.
Gonzalez-Ochoa, G., Flores-Mendoza, L. K., Icedo-Garcia, R., Gomez-Flores, R., & Tamez-Guerra, P. (2017). Modulation of rotavirus severe gastroenteritis by the combination of probiotics and prebiotics. Archives of Microbiology, 199(7), 953-961. Web.
Kanauchi, O., Andoh, A., AbuBakar, S., & Yamamoto, N. (2018). Probiotics and paraprobiotics in viral infection: Clinical application and effects on the innate and acquired immune systems. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 24(6), 710-717. Web.
Stuempfig, N. D., & Seroy, J. (2020). Viral gastroenteritis. StatPearls. Web.