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A 68-Year-Old Man Comes to the Office Because of Diarrhea

question 1670

Multiple Choice

A 68-year-old man comes to the office because of diarrhea for the past 2 months. His stools are postprandial, watery, foul-smelling, and difficult to flush. They never awaken him at night. Prior to this, the patient's stools were always regular and solid. He also has intermittent, epigastric, postprandial abdominal pain that has not improved with a trial of lansoprazole. The patient has no melena, hematochezia, or vomiting, although he has unintentionally lost 7 kg (15.4 lb) . Medical history is significant for a prolonged hospitalization 3 years ago for acute necrotizing pancreatitis due to alcohol use. He does not take any medications. The patient smokes a pack of cigarettes daily and occasionally drinks alcohol. Temperature is 37.1 C (98.8 F) , blood pressure is 147/82 mm Hg, pulse is 82/min, and respirations are 15/min. Physical examination shows anicteric sclera, moist mucous membranes, and normal heart and lung sounds. The abdomen is mildly tender to palpation in the epigastrium but without distension, rebound, or guarding. Laboratory results are as follows: Which of the following is most likely to be present in this patient?

Definitions:

Substances

refers to forms of matter with a specific composition and properties that distinguish them from other forms.

Calcitonin

A hormone produced by the thyroid gland that lowers blood calcium levels by inhibiting bone resorption and promoting calcium uptake by the bones.

Pituitary Gland

A small, pea-sized gland situated at the base of the brain, crucial for controlling various hormones that regulate growth, metabolism, and reproductive functions.

Synthesized

Synthesized involves combining individual elements or components to form a complex product or substance, often used in the context of chemical compounds or biological elements.