A 62-year-old man has new constipation and 10-lb unintentional weight loss over 3 months. Hemoglobin is 11.2 g/dL with low ferritin. He has no prior

Question

A 62-year-old man has new constipation and 10-lb unintentional weight loss over 3 months. Hemoglobin is 11.2 g/dL with low ferritin. He has no prior colonoscopy and asks for a laxative. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

Accepted Answer

Schedule colonoscopy

Answer

Start chronic opioid therapy

Answer

Order anorectal manometry first

Answer

Prescribe fiber and defer evaluation

Answer

Recommend colon hydrotherapy

Constipation alarm features — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

A 62-year-old man has new constipation and 10-lb unintentional weight loss over 3 months. Hemoglobin is 11.2 g/dL with low ferritin. He has no prior colonoscopy and asks for a laxative. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?