Case Study
Patient HL comes into the clinic with the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The patient has a history of drug abuse and possible Hepatitis C. HL is currently taking the
following prescription drugs:
Synthroid 100 mcg daily
Nifedipine 30 mg daily
Prednisone 10 mg daily
Given the patients current drug therapy regime, it is likely that the patient has hypothyroidism
(Synthroid), hypertension or angina (Nifedipine), and a breathing or skin disorder (prednisone).
Possible Diagnosis and Rational
Given the patients symptoms and known history (as well as assumed history based on
medications), I believe the patient is suffering from acute diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is a pouch
created by the mucosa becoming herniated into the wall of the colon. Signs and symptoms
generally include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and/or abdominal pain (Shahedi,
2016). The symptoms will vary depending on the extent of the infection (Huether & McCance,
2012). Diagnosis would be confirmed with a CT of the abdomen as well lab studies. A stool
