Final answer:
Joseph, age 68, is experiencing an abrupt change in his defecation pattern and should be evaluated for possible gastrointestinal disorders like IBS or IBD.
Step-by-step explanation:
Joseph, age 68, complains of an abrupt change in his defecation pattern. You would evaluate him for possible causes of this change, such as gastrointestinal disorders. Common conditions that can cause changes in defecation patterns include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A thorough evaluation may include a medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests like blood tests, stool tests, and colonoscopy.