Patient
Hi, thank you for taking my call. I've been experiencing something concerning whenever I go to the bathroom, and I'm not sure what to do about it. Could you help me figure out what's going on?
Triage Assistant
Sure, I can help with that. Can you tell me where it hurts?
Patient
I don't have any significant pain, but there's something that's worrying me when I use the bathroom.
Triage Assistant
Got it. I need to get more specific information to help you better. Can you describe what exactly is worrying you when you use the bathroom?
Patient
When I have a bowel movement, I've noticed a small amount of blood on the toilet paper each time.
Triage Assistant
I understand. Let me get the protocol for "Constipation," which might cover symptoms like bleeding during bowel movements. Please hold on for a moment.
Triage Assistant
Let's proceed with some initial questions to understand your condition better. How often do you have a bowel movement? When was your last one?
Patient
I have a bowel movement once a day, typically. My last one was this morning.
Triage Assistant
Do you have to strain to have a bowel movement?
Patient
Yes, I do find myself straining a bit when I have a bowel movement.
Triage Assistant
Does your rectum hurt when the stool comes out? If so, can you describe the intensity of the pain using a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 is mild and 10 is the worst possible pain? Also, do you have hemorrhoids?
Patient
There's a mild discomfort, I'd say around a 2 or 3 on the pain scale. I'm not sure if I have hemorrhoids—I don't have any visible lumps, but I can't say for certain.
Triage Assistant
Thank you for that information. Now, can you tell me if there has been any blood on the toilet tissue or on the surface of the bowel movement? If yes, when was the last time you noticed it?
Patient
Yes, there's usually a small amount of blood on the toilet paper each time I have a bowel movement. The last time I noticed it was this morning.
Triage Assistant
Is this a new problem for you, or have you experienced it before? If you have had this problem before, how long have you been experiencing it (days, weeks, months)?
Patient
This is a new problem for me. It's been happening for about a week now.
Triage Assistant
Have there been any recent changes in your diet or hydration? How much fluids are you drinking on a daily basis? How much have you had to drink today?
Patient
I don't think I've made any significant changes to my diet recently. I try to drink around eight glasses of water a day, but I'm not always consistent. Today, I've had about three glasses so far.
Triage Assistant
Thank you. Now, have you been taking any new medications or are you currently on any narcotic pain medications?
Patient
No, I haven't started any new medications and I'm not on any narcotic pain medications.
Triage Assistant
Have you been using any stool softeners, laxatives, or enemas? If yes, what have you been using, how often, and when was the last time?
See More Appropriate Protocol
Go to ED/UCC Now (or to Office With PCP Approval)
Go to Office Now
See in Office Today
See in Office Within 3 Days
See in Office Within 2 Weeks
Home Care
Triage result should be Home Care.
First aid advice was given.
Some assessment questions asked.