PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Which symptom is least likely to be present in ulcerative colitis?

1. Abdominal pain

2. Weight loss

3. Bloating

4. Bloody diarrhea

The correct answer is: Bloating

In the context of ulcerative colitis, the symptoms primarily include abdominal pain, weight loss, and bloody diarrhea, which are more characteristic of the disease. Abdominal pain is commonly experienced due to inflammation of the colon, and bloody diarrhea is a hallmark symptom resulting from mucosal ulceration. Weight loss often occurs due to decreased nutrient absorption and the inflammatory processes associated with the disease. Bloating can occur in various gastrointestinal disorders but is not a defining feature of ulcerative colitis specifically. While some individuals with ulcerative colitis may experience bloating, it is less consistently reported compared to the more distinctive symptoms such as bloody diarrhea and significant abdominal pain. This makes bloating the symptom that is least likely to be encountered in ulcerative colitis, as it does not align with the primary pathology and is not a key indicator of the condition.