A nurse in a provider's office is reviewing the health histories of four clients. For which of the following clients should the nurse anticipate scheduling a colonoscopy?
Explanation & Rationale
A. 32-year-old who has a sister who died of colon cancer: A first-degree relative with colon cancer increases risk; screening typically begins earlier (often at age 40 or 10 years younger than the relative’s age at diagnosis). This client should be evaluated/scheduled based on family history. B. 56-year-old who had a colonoscopy 6 years ago: If the previous colonoscopy was normal, routine surveillance is often every 10 years, so they usually would not be scheduled at 6 years unless prior findings required earlier follow-up. C. 45-year-old who has Clostridium difficile: C. difficile infection is not an indication for routine colonoscopy; it's typically managed medically unless there are complications. D. 34-year-old who reports a new onset of constipation: New constipation alone in a 34-year-old without red-flag signs usually does not mandate immediate colonoscopy; conservative evaluation and treatment are typical first steps.