Medical Surgical ATI Proctored Exam Related

Review Medical Surgical ATI Proctored Exam related questions and content

A client's health history is suggestive of inflammatory bowel disease. Which of the following would suggest Crohn disease, rather than ulcerative colitis, as the cause of the client's signs and symptoms?

  • A. A pattern of distinct exacerbations and remissions
  • B. Severe diarrhea
  • C. An absence of blood in stool
  • D. Involvement of the rectal mucosa
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: An absence of blood in stool. This suggests Crohn's disease over ulcerative colitis because Crohn's can involve any part of the GI tract and may not always present with blood in stool, in contrast to ulcerative colitis which typically involves the rectum and almost always presents with blood in stool due to continuous inflammation in the colon. Choices A, B, and D are more commonly associated with ulcerative colitis, which typically presents with a pattern of exacerbations and remissions, severe diarrhea, and rectal mucosal involvement.