Which condition is suggested by recurrent abdominal cramps, bloody stools, and fatigue in a patient?

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Prepare for the LEIK Family Nurse Practitioner Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The presentation of recurrent abdominal cramps, bloody stools, and fatigue strongly suggests the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. This inflammatory bowel disease primarily affects the colon and rectum, causing inflammation and ulceration of the intestinal lining. The characteristic symptoms of ulcerative colitis include abdominal pain, cramping, and intermittent episodes of diarrhea, often accompanied by blood or pus in the stool. Fatigue frequently occurs due to the chronic nature of the disease, which can lead to anemia, particularly if there is significant blood loss over time.

This combination of symptoms distinguishes ulcerative colitis from other conditions. For example, giardiasis is typically associated with watery diarrhea and not usually with bloody stools. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may cause abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits but does not involve inflammation or present with blood. Diverticulitis can cause abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits, but it is less commonly associated with recurrent bloody stools and fatigue compared to ulcerative colitis. Thus, ulcerative colitis is the most fitting diagnosis based on the clinical signs presented.

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