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Irritable bowel syndrome — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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EasyAmbulatory Medicine / Primary CareIrritable bowel syndromeUSMLE Step 3

A 44-year-old woman has 1 year of episodic abdominal pain relieved by defecation. She alternates between constipation and loose stools. She has no nocturnal symptoms, bleeding, fever, anemia, or weight loss. Colonoscopy at age 42 was normal. 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: C — Irritable bowel syndrome

Chronic abdominal pain associated with altered bowel habits and relieved by defecation without alarm features is typical of irritable bowel syndrome.

Reference: ACG irritable bowel syndrome guideline; USMLE Step 3 Content Outline