Question

A 69-year-old female presents to the emergency room for bright red blood per rectum for the past 2 hours. She noticed some blood in her stool shortly after experiencing some abdominal pain. The pain is reported as dull, achy, 5/10, and concentrated at the left lower quadrant. Her past medical history is significant for hypertension and a past myocardial infarction (MI). What is the diagnosis?

Answer 1

The diagnosis for the patient is likely to be colorectal cancer, which presents with symptoms such as rectal bleeding and abdominal pain. Consultation with a healthcare provider and further diagnostic tests, such as a colonoscopy, are recommended.

Step-by-step explanation:

The diagnosis for the 69-year-old female with bright red blood per rectum and abdominal pain is likely to be colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer can present with symptoms like rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits (such as constipation or diarrhea). In this case, the patient's symptoms of bright red blood per rectum and left lower quadrant abdominal pain are concerning for the possibility of colorectal cancer.

It's important for the patient to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and appropriate diagnostic tests, such as a colonoscopy. Screening for colorectal cancer is recommended, especially for individuals over 50 years of age, to identify precancerous polyps and remove them before they become malignant.