Gastroenterology — MCQs

A 74-year-old man is brought to the emergency department because of increasing abdominal pain and distention for 3 days. The pain is diffuse and colicky, and he describes it as 4 out of 10 in intensity. His last bowel movement was 5 days ago. He has not undergone any previous abdominal surgeries. He has hypertension, chronic lower back pain, coronary artery disease, and hypercholesterolemia. Prior to admission, his medications were enalapril, gabapentin, oxycodone, metoprolol, aspirin, and simvastatin. He appears uncomfortable. His temperature is 37.3°C (99.1°F), pulse is 93/min, and blood pressure is 118/76 mm Hg. Examination shows a distended and tympanitic abdomen; bowel sounds are reduced. There is mild tenderness to palpation in the lower abdomen with no guarding or rebound. Rectal examination shows an empty rectum. Laboratory studies show: Hemoglobin 13.1 g/dL Serum Na+ 134 mEq/L K+ 2.7 mEq/L Cl- 98 mEq/L Urea nitrogen 32 mg/dL Creatinine 1 mg/dL An x-ray of the abdomen shows a dilated cecum and right colon and preservation of the haustrae. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast shows a cecal diameter of 11 cm. The patient is kept NPO and intravenous fluids with electrolytes are administered. A nasogastric tube and rectal tube are inserted. Thirty-six hours later, he still has abdominal pain. Examination shows a distended and tympanitic abdomen. Serum concentrations of electrolytes are within the reference range. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

A 26-year-old woman comes to the physician because of intermittent episodes of cramping lower abdominal pain and bloating over the past 3 months. These episodes are often associated with non-bloody, watery, frothy stools, and excessive flatulence. The cramping does not subside after defecation. She reports that her symptoms typically begin an hour or two after eating ice cream, cheese, or pudding. She is otherwise healthy. Her only medication is an iron supplement and an oral contraceptive pill. The patient's height is 158 cm (5 ft 2 in) and her weight is 59 kg (130 lb); her BMI is 23.6 kg/m2. Abdominal examination is normal. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

A 35-year-old woman comes to your office with a variety of complaints. As part of her evaluation, she undergoes laboratory testing which reveals the presence of anti-centromere antibodies. All of the following symptoms and signs would be expected to be present EXCEPT:

A 15-year-old girl is brought to her pediatrician's office complaining of frequent diarrhea, fatigue, and inability to gain weight. Her vital signs are within normal limits, and her BMI is 17. She describes her stools as pale, malodorous, and bulky. She often has abdominal bloating. Her symptoms are most prominent after breakfast when she typically consumes cereal. After several weeks of careful evaluation and symptomatic treatment, the pediatrician recommends an esophagogastroduodenoscopy. A diagnostic biopsy shows blunting of intestinal villi and flat mucosa with multiple intraepithelial lymphocytes. This patient's condition is most commonly associated with deficiency of which immunoglobulin?

A 66-year-old man presents to the office complaining of abdominal pain. He reports that the pain is mid-epigastric and "gnawing." It worsens after meals but improves "somewhat" with antacids. The patient's medical history is significant for hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and gout. He takes aspirin, lisinopril, atorvastatin, and allopurinol. He uses ibuprofen during acute gout attacks and takes over the counter multivitamins. He also started drinking ginkgo tea once a week after his wife saw a news story on its potential benefits. The patient has a glass of whiskey after work 2 nights a week but denies tobacco or illicit drug use. An upper endoscopy is performed that reveals a gastric ulcer. A urease breath test is positive for Helicobacter pylori. The patient is prescribed bismuth subsalicylate, omeprazole, metronidazole, and tetracycline for 2 weeks. At follow-up, the patient continues to complain of abdominal pain. He has taken all his medications as prescribed along with 10-12 tablets of antacids a day. He denies hematemesis, hematochezia, or melena. Biopsy from the previous upper endoscopy was negative for malignancy. A repeat urease breath test is positive. Which of the following is the most likely cause for the patient's poor treatment response?

A 31-year-old African American woman with a history of Addison's disease presents with widespread, symmetric hypopigmented patches and macules overlying her face and shoulders. After a thorough interview and using a Wood’s lamp to exclude fungal etiology, vitiligo is suspected. Complete blood count shows leukocytes 6,300, Hct 48.3%, Hgb 16.2 g/dL, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) 90 fL, and platelets 292. Which of the statements below about this patient’s suspected disease is correct?

A 35-year-old man comes to the physician because of a 2-month history of upper abdominal pain that occurs immediately after eating. The pain is sharp, localized to the epigastrium, and does not radiate. He reports that he has been eating less frequently to avoid the pain and has had a 4-kg (8.8-lb) weight loss during this time. He has smoked a pack of cigarettes daily for 20 years and drinks 3 beers daily. His vital signs are within normal limits. He is 165 cm (5 ft 5 in) tall and weighs 76.6 kg (169 lb); BMI is 28 kg/m2. Physical examination shows mild upper abdominal tenderness with no guarding or rebound. Bowel sounds are normal. Laboratory studies are within the reference range. This patient is at greatest risk for which of the following conditions?

A 44-year-old man presents to his primary care physician due to a shock-like pain in his left leg. He describes the pain as sharp and lasting a few minutes at a time. He has noticed being "clumsy" when walking in a dark room. Approximately 2 weeks ago, he was helping his daughter move and this required him to lift heavy boxes. He denies any trauma to the back or lower back pain. Medical history is significant for hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. He is currently sexually active and is in a monogamous relationship with his wife. Approximately 15 years ago, he noted a painless genital lesion. On physical exam, there is a miotic pupil that does not constrict with light but constricts with convergence and accommodation. Strength, reflex, and sensory exam of the lower extremity is unremarkable. The patient has a positive Romberg test. Which of the following is most likely the cause of this patient's symptoms?

A 34-year-old woman comes to the emergency department because of right flank pain and vomiting for 5 hours. She has had fever and chills for the past 2 days. She attended a barbecue 3 days ago, where she ate egg salad. She underwent surgery for left ovarian torsion a year ago. Menses occur at regular 28-day intervals and last 5 days. She is sexually active with 2 male partners and uses condoms inconsistently. Her only medication is an oral contraceptive pill. She is 163 cm (5 ft 4 in) tall and weighs 72.5 kg (160 lb); BMI is 27.5 kg/m2. She appears uncomfortable. Her temperature is 38.9°C (102°F), pulse is 101/min, and blood pressure is 118/76 mm Hg. The lungs are clear to auscultation. The right lower quadrant and right flank show severe tenderness to palpation. Pelvic examination shows no abnormalities. Laboratory studies show: Hemoglobin 12.8 g/dL Leukocyte count 14,200/mm3 Platelet count 230,000/mm3 Serum Na+ 136 mEq/L K+ 3.8 mEq/L Cl- 103 mEq/L Urea nitrogen 23 mg/dL Creatinine 1.2 mg/dL Urine Blood 1+ Protein 1+ Glucose negative Leukocyte esterase positive Nitrites negative RBC 6–8/hpf WBC 80–85/hpf Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

An 80-year-old woman is brought to the emergency department due to the gradual worsening of confusion and lethargy for the past 5 days. Her son reports that she had recovered from a severe stomach bug with vomiting and diarrhea 3 days ago without seeing a physician or going to the hospital. The patient’s past medical history is notable for type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension. She takes hydrochlorothiazide, metformin, a children’s aspirin, and a multivitamin. The patient is not compliant with her medication regimen. Physical examination reveals dry oral mucous membranes and the patient appears extremely lethargic but arousable. She refuses to answer questions and has extreme difficulty following the conversation. Laboratory results are as follows: Sodium 126 mEq/L Potassium 3.9 mEq/L Chloride 94 mEq/L Bicarbonate 25 mEq/L Calcium 8.1 mg/dL Glucose 910 mg/dL Urine ketones Trace Which of the following may also be found in this patient?