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Differential Diagnosis for 65-year-old Female with Nausea, Abdominal Pain, and Constipation

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Constipation with possible fecal impaction: Given the patient's symptoms of nausea, abdominal pain, and inability to pass a bowel movement for 3 days, constipation with possible fecal impaction is a common and likely diagnosis, especially in elderly patients who may have decreased mobility, poor diet, or medication side effects contributing to constipation.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Diverticulitis: Inflammation of the diverticula in the colon can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and changes in bowel habits, including constipation.
  • Gastroenteritis: Viral or bacterial infection of the stomach and intestines can lead to nausea, abdominal pain, and constipation, although diarrhea is more common.
  • Intestinal obstruction: Partial or complete blockage of the intestine can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to abdominal pain, nausea, and changes in bowel habits.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Appendicitis: Although less common in elderly patients, appendicitis can present with atypical symptoms, including constipation, and is a surgical emergency if not promptly treated.
  • Mesenteric ischemia: Reduced blood flow to the intestines can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, and constipation, and is a life-threatening condition if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
  • Ovarian torsion: Twisting of the ovary can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, and is a surgical emergency.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Colonic volvulus: Twisting of the colon can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and constipation, and is a rare but serious condition that requires prompt treatment.
  • Intussusception: Telescoping of one segment of intestine into another can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and constipation, and is a rare condition in adults.
  • Neurogenic bowel dysfunction: Conditions like Parkinson's disease or spinal cord injury can cause neurogenic bowel dysfunction, leading to constipation and other bowel symptoms.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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