Patient
Hi there, I've been experiencing some concerning symptoms lately, and I'm hoping to get some advice on what might be going on and what I should do next.
Triage Assistant
I can help with that. Can you tell me where it hurts?
Patient
Actually, I haven't been feeling any pain, but there's something unusual happening with my bowel movements that has me worried.
Triage Assistant
Let's start by understanding your symptoms better. How often do you have a bowel movement (BM), and when was your last BM?
Patient
I usually have a bowel movement once a day. My last one was this morning.
Triage Assistant
Do you have to strain to have a bowel movement (BM)?
Patient
No, I don't usually have to strain. They come out fairly easily.
Triage Assistant
Does your rectum hurt when the stool comes out?
Patient
No, my rectum doesn't hurt when I have a bowel movement.
Triage Assistant
Are your stools hard?
Patient
No, my stools are not hard. They have a normal consistency.
Triage Assistant
Has there been any blood on the toilet tissue or on the surface of the bowel movement?
Patient
No, I haven't noticed any actual blood on the toilet tissue or on the surface of the bowel movement. But there's something different about them.
Triage Assistant
Is this change in your bowel movements a new problem for you? If not, how long have you had this problem?
Patient
Yes, this is a new problem. It's been happening for the past few days, and it really has me concerned.
Triage Assistant
Have there been any recent changes in your diet or hydration? How much fluids are you drinking on a daily basis, and how much have you had to drink today?
Patient
My diet and hydration levels have been pretty consistent, nothing out of the ordinary. I usually drink about 2 liters of water daily, and that's been the same today as well.
Triage Assistant
Have you been taking any new medications recently, or are you taking any narcotic pain medicines?
Patient
No, I haven't started any new medications, and I'm not taking any narcotic pain medicines.
Triage Assistant
Have you been using any stool softeners, laxatives, or enemas? If yes, what, how often, and when was the last time?
Call EMS 911 Now
See More Appropriate Protocol
Go to ED Now
Go to ED/UCC Now (or to Office With PCP Approval)
Go to Office Now
See in Office Today
See in Office Today or Tomorrow
See in Office Within 2 Weeks
Home Care
Triage result should be Go to ED Now.
First aid is not applicable.
Some assessment questions asked.