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Irritable bowel syndrome — ABFM Board MCQ

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EasyGI/HepatologyIrritable bowel syndromeABFM Board

A 31-year-old woman reports 1 year of crampy abdominal pain relieved by defecation with alternating constipation and diarrhea. She has no weight loss, nocturnal symptoms, rectal bleeding, or family history of colon cancer. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: D — Irritable bowel syndrome

Recurrent abdominal pain related to defecation with altered bowel habits and no alarm features is most consistent with irritable bowel syndrome.

Reference: American Family Physician clinical reviews and AAFP guidance: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp.html