Ch 15: Gastrointestinal Disorders

Question 1

The Rome III Committee defines dyspepsia as…

Answer 1

…epigastric pain or burning, early satiety, or postprandial fullness.

Question 2

Heartburn is described as a ____________ _______, and should be distinguished from dyspepsia.

Answer 2

retrosternal burning

Question 3

Pancreatic carcinoma and chronic pancreatitis may initially be mistaken for dyspepsia but usually are associated with…

Answer 3

…more severe pain, anorexia and rapid weight loss, steatorrhea, or jaundice.

Question 4

Choledocholithiasis is…

Answer 4

….the presence of at least one gallstone in the common bile duct.

Question 5

What is familial Mediterranean fever characterized by?

Answer 5

It is characterized by episodic bouts of acute peritonitis that may be associated with serositis involving the joints and pleura.

Question 6

Describe the symptoms and typical duration of peritoneal attacks associated with familial Mediterranean fever.

Answer 6

Peritoneal attacks are marked by the sudden onset of fever, severe abdominal pain, and abdominal tenderness with guarding or rebound tenderness. If left untreated, attacks resolve within 24–48 hours.

Question 7

Because symptoms of familial Mediterranean fever resemble those of surgical peritonitis, patients may undergo…

Answer 7

…unnecessary exploratory laparotomy.

Question 8

What drug (and dose) has been shown to decrease the frequency and severity of attacks associated with familial Mediterranean fever?

Answer 8

Colchicine, 0.6 mg orally two or three times daily

Question 9

Endoscopy and colonography are contraindicated during the initial stages of an acute attack of diverticulitis because….

Answer 9

….of the risk of free perforation.

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