Monique is a 33-year-old administrative assistant who has had intermittent lower abdominal pain approximately one week a month for the past year. It is not related to her menses. She notes relief with defecation, and a change in form and frequency of her bowel movements with these episodes. Which of the following is most likely?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Monique's symptoms of lower abdominal pain relieved by defecation, change in bowel movements' form and frequency, and absence of menses-related pain align with IBS criteria. IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. It is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning other conditions must be ruled out.
Choice A: Colon cancer is less likely due to Monique's age, absence of alarming symptoms like weight loss or blood in stool, and the intermittent nature of her symptoms.
Choice B: Cholecystitis typically presents with right upper quadrant pain, nausea, and vomiting, which do not match Monique's symptoms.
Choice C: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) usually presents with persistent symptoms, blood in stool, and systemic signs, which are not seen in Monique's case.