USMLE Step 1 Question 347

Question:

A 55-year-old man presents to the emergency room with greasy, foul-smelling diarrhea for the past 4 weeks. He is a long time alcoholic and has been hospitalized several times in the past for a “stomach problem.” He denies having had fever, hematochezia, or mucus in his stools. Which medication is most likely to benefit the patient at this time?

Correct Answer: C.  Pancreatic enzymes

This patient is likely suffering from pancreatic insufficiency secondary to chronic panreatitis caused by alcoholism. Pancreatic enzymes will help him digest and absorb fats.

There is no evidence of bacteral infection that would warrant antibiotics (B,E).

There is no evidence of colonic inflammation or systemic symptoms that would indicate inflammatory bowel disease (D).

This patient’s symptoms are not typical of GERD, gastritis, or PUD (A).