Inflammatory Bowel Disease USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 32-year-old woman with ulcerative colitis presents with severe bloody diarrhea (15 stools/day) and cramping abdominal pain. Vital signs show temperature 38.5°C, heart rate 110 bpm, blood pressure 102/68 mmHg, and respiratory rate 18/min. Laboratory findings reveal hemoglobin 8.2 g/dL, albumin 2.8 g/dL, and C-reactive protein 12.5 mg/dL. Colonoscopy demonstrates continuous mucosal ulceration from rectum to splenic flexure. She reports no recent antibiotic use. Which pharmacologic agent is most appropriate for initiating therapy?
Answer choices
- AOral prednisone 40 mg daily
- BIV methylprednisolone 500 mg dailyCorrect answer
- CCiprofloxacin 500 mg daily
- DAzathioprine 1-2 mg/kg daily
- EInfliximab 5 mg/kg IV
- FMesalamine 4.8 g daily
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