Final answer:
A 53-year-old woman with symptoms consistent with colorectal cancer should undergo a thorough physical exam, diagnostic tests such as a colonoscopy and possibly a CT scan, followed by appropriate treatment based on the findings. Her case management could vary from outpatient to inpatient depending on symptom severity and initial findings.
Step-by-step explanation:
The case presents a 53-year-old female with symptoms including expanding abdominal girth, early satiety, anorexia, and fatigue.
These symptoms can potentially indicate a serious condition, such as colorectal cancer, which may manifest with abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and rectal bleeding. Constipation or diarrhea, cramping, and occult bleeding can be signs of colon polyps or malignancy.
Given this patient's age and symptoms, certain steps should be followed:
Emergency orders: If the patient's symptoms are severe and suggestive of an acute abdominal process, stabilize the patient and consider admission to the hospital.
Physical Exam: A thorough examination, including an abdominal exam to check for masses, distension, or tenderness.
Diagnostic tests: A colonoscopy should be considered (especially since the patient has never had one and is over 50 years of age), along with imaging studies like a CT scan if indicated, and blood tests including Complete Blood Count (CBC) for anemia and tumor markers like CEA.
Therapy: This depends on the diagnosis but may include surgical intervention, chemotherapy, or other treatments as needed based on the results of the diagnostic tests.
Location: Patient management could occur in an outpatient setting, an emergency department, or a hospital inpatient ward based on the severity of symptoms and initial findings.
Final order: Arrange for appropriate follow-up depending on the immediate treatment plan and results of diagnostic tests.
Dx: While a definitive diagnosis requires test results, the clinical suspicion in this case could be colorectal cancer or another significant gastrointestinal disorder.