A 30-Year-Old Man Comes to the Emergency Department with a 4-Day

question 403

Multiple Choice

A 30-year-old man comes to the emergency department with a 4-day history of progressively worsening abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea.  He was started on mesalamine therapy 6 months ago after being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis but has been noncompliant with treatment.  His temperature is 38.8 C (102 F) , blood pressure is 100/70 mm Hg, and pulse is 130/min.  The patient is lethargic and has dry mucous membranes.  There is marked abdominal distension and tenderness without rebound or guarding.  Rectal examination shows guaiac-positive, maroon-colored, liquid stool.  Which of the following is the best next step in this patient's workup?

• A)Abdominal ultrasonography
• B)Barium enema
• C)Colonoscopy
• D)Plain abdominal x-ray
• E)Small-bowel contrast study

---

Definitions:

Outside Supplier

An external entity that provides goods or services to another company.

Indifferent

A state or condition where a decision-maker has no preference between two or more alternatives.

Subcomponent

A subcomponent is a constituent part that plays a role within a larger component or system, often essential for its functionality.

Financial Advantage

A benefit in terms of money that can be gained from a particular action or investment.