Question

in the context of abdominal pain, what condition should be considered when a patient complains of diffuse, chronic, indolent pain that is nonspecific and non - localizing?

acute appendicitis

mesenteric ischemia

irritable bowel syndrome

cholecystitis

bowel obstruction

Explanation:

Irritable bowel syndrome often presents with diffuse, chronic, indolent, non - specific and non - localizing abdominal pain. Acute appendicitis typically has more localized pain (McBurney's point), mesenteric ischemia pain is often related to blood flow issues and may have other associated symptoms like post - prandial pain, cholecystitis pain is usually related to the gallbladder area, and bowel obstruction has symptoms like abdominal distension, vomiting and constipation in addition to pain which is often more crampy and may be associated with bowel sounds changes.

Answer:

C. Irritable bowel syndrome