GI GI Disorders and Diseases 2

Question 1

Which laboratory finding is most consistent with acute pancreatitis?

Accepted Answer

Elevated serum lipase > 3× upper limit of normal

Answer

Serum lipase elevated more than three times the upper limit of normal is the most sensitive and specific marker for acute pancreatitis.

Question 2

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is most strongly associated with which inflammatory bowel disease?

Accepted Answer

Ulcerative colitis

Answer

PSC occurs in approximately 5% of patients with ulcerative colitis and is characterized by fibro-inflammatory strictures of bile ducts.

Question 3

Barrett's esophagus is defined as replacement of normal squamous epithelium in the distal esophagus with which type of epithelium?

Accepted Answer

Intestinal metaplastic (columnar) epithelium

Answer

Barrett's esophagus is the presence of intestinal metaplasia (goblet cells) in the distal esophageal mucosa, a precursor to adenocarcinoma.

Question 4

Diverticulosis most commonly affects which segment of the colon in Western populations?

Accepted Answer

Sigmoid colon

Answer

In Western populations, diverticulosis predominantly affects the sigmoid colon due to high intraluminal pressures in this narrow-caliber segment.

Question 5

Toxic megacolon is a life-threatening complication most commonly associated with which condition?

Accepted Answer

Severe ulcerative colitis or Clostridioides difficile colitis

Answer

Toxic megacolon is defined as non-obstructive colonic dilation >6 cm with systemic toxicity, most often complicating severe UC or C. diff colitis.

Gastrointestinal GI Practice Practice Test