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Cases

The cirrhotic with a sore belly

A 55-year-old with known cirrhosis feels vaguely unwell; his ascites is 'the same as always'.

55-year-old manWard 6, bed 12Fictitious educational patient
Alcohol-related cirrhosisAscites on diureticsPrior variceal banding

Day 1 · 08:30 · Ward review

Vaguely unwell

Admitted for diuretic adjustment. Overnight he became quieter than usual; the nurse reports he refused breakfast and 'seems muddled'. He says his belly aches, 'maybe a six out of ten', and he feels cold.

Vitals

HR104BP96/58RR20SpO296%T37.9

History

Change in the ascites?
'Same as always', he says; the belt notches disagree by one.
Bowels, urine?
Constipated two days; urine darker and less of it.
Alcohol?
None for eight months, attested by family.

Examination

  • Abdomen: Tense ascites, diffusely tender without rigidity; no rebound
  • Neurological: Oriented to person and place, not date; no asterixis yet
  • General: Jaundiced sclerae, cool peripheries

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