Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which symptom is least likely to suggest ulcerative colitis?

1. Bloody diarrhea mixed with mucus

2. Nausea and vomiting

3. Weight gain

4. Abdominal pain

The correct answer is: Weight gain

Weight gain is least likely to suggest ulcerative colitis for several reasons related to the typical presentation of this condition. Ulcerative colitis is characterized by inflammation of the colon, leading to symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and often weight loss due to malabsorption, loss of appetite, or increased caloric expenditure from inflammation. In contrast, patients with ulcerative colitis typically struggle with diarrhea that may contain blood and mucus, which reflects the mucosal damage in the colon. Nausea and vomiting can occur as a result of significant bowel inflammation and accompanying gastrointestinal distress. Abdominal pain is also a common symptom associated with ulcerative colitis due to inflammation and cramping. Weight gain, however, is not characteristic of this condition, as individuals often experience weight loss or difficulty maintaining their weight during flare-ups. Hence, weight gain would not align with the typical clinical picture of ulcerative colitis, making it the least likely symptom in this context.