Nokea
A 56-year-old patient comes to the walk-in clinic for scant rectal bleeding and intermittent diarrhea and constipation for the past several months. There is a history of polyps and a family history for colorectal cancer. While you are trying to teach about colonoscopy, the patient becomes angry and threatens to leave. What is the priority diagnosis?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The patient's anger and threat to leave during colonoscopy teaching signal emotional distress overriding physical symptoms. Anxiety stemming from uncertain outcomes and perceived bodily threat fits, as colorectal cancer risk tied to polyps and family history heightens fear, blocking education uptake. Diarrhea/constipation reflects symptoms but isn't immediately urgent with scant bleeding. Knowledge deficit exists but is secondary fear drives the refusal, not just ignorance. Fluid volume risk is plausible with bleeding, yet no data suggests acute loss; stability allows focus on emotions. Addressing anxiety first calms the patient, enabling teaching and care, a priority in this tense encounter where psychological barriers could delay critical colorectal screening and intervention.