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Constipation — ABFM Board MCQ

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EasyPediatrics and adolescent medicineConstipationABFM Board

A 7-year-old boy has painful stools twice weekly and occasional soiling. Examination shows stool in the rectal vault and no neurologic abnormalities or weight loss. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: C — Functional constipation

Painful infrequent stools with fecal retention and soiling, without red flags, is typical of functional constipation.

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