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CONDITION/DISORDER SYNONYM
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009.1 Colitis, enteritis, and gastroenteritis of presumed infectious origin
556.9 Ulcerative colitis, unspecified
Associated physical therapy diagnoses
315.4 Developmental coordination disorder
718.45 Contracture of joint, pelvic region and thigh
719.70 Difficulty in walking involving joint site unspecified
728.2 Muscular wasting and disuse atrophy, not elsewhere classified
728.89 Disorders of muscle, ligament, and fascia
729.9 Other and unspecified disorders of soft tissue
780.7 Malaise and fatigue
781.2 Abnormality of gait
782.3 Edema
786.0 Dyspnea and respiratory abnormalities
786.05 Shortness of breath
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A09 Infectious gastroenteritis and colitis, unspecified
K51.90 Ulcerative colitis, unspecified, without complications
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PREFERRED PRACTICE PATTERN
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As of June, 2014, the APTA Guide to Physical Therapist Practice does not include practice patterns for organ system pathology; therefore, the associated or secondary musculoskeletal, cardiovascular/pulmonary, or potential neuromuscular patterns would be indicated.
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PATIENT PRESENTATION
A 40-year-old male presents with abdominal discomfort and low back spasms. The back pain was insidious. Special tests were negative for straight leg raise (SLR) and slump tests. Bilateral lower extremity (LE) strength, reflexes, and sensation were within normal limits. Pain was not reproducible. Review of the systems reveals a 2-month history of decreased appetite, a 10 lb unintentional weight loss, and occasional bright red blood in his stools. He denies recent use of antibiotics, recent travel, or exposure to sick people. He does report a history of “some sort of irritable bowel problems” ailing his father and uncle for years. Physical examination is unremarkable except for minimal lower abdominal tenderness to deep palpation. The patient was referred to his primary care physician with a 3-month history of back pain, abdominal bloating, pain, cramping, and diarrhea. The physician did a digital rectal examination revealing hemoccult positive stool, so the patient was referred to a gastroenterologist for further evaluation. Colonoscopy revealed colonic mucosal erythema with occasional areas of bleeding.
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Inflammation of large intestine and bowel
Ulcer formation may cause some constipation
Frequent diarrhea associated with bowel urgency and cramping
Pathologic features1
Involves mainly mucosa
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Essentials of Diagnosis
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Unknown etiology
Abdominal pain, tenderness
Nausea, vomiting
Diarrhea: Watery, may be bloody
Bloating
Rectal bleeding possible
Acute drop in blood pressure may cause decreased blood flow to intestines
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