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IBD flare red flags — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateGastro-intestinal TherapeuticsIBD flare red flagsGPhC CRA

A 30-year-old man with ulcerative colitis asks for advice. He has six bloody stools daily, abdominal cramps and feels feverish. He takes mesalazine tablets. What is the most appropriate action?

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Correct answer: A — Refer for same-day medical assessment

Frequent bloody diarrhoea with systemic symptoms may represent a significant ulcerative colitis flare. Same-day medical assessment is appropriate to assess severity and need for corticosteroids or admission. NSAIDs may worsen inflammatory bowel disease. Antimotility treatment is not the priority in a potentially severe flare.

Reference: NICE CKS; BNF