intestinal disorders/chronic diarrhea

See Explanation

[]

Question 1 / 4
683ba1e631242d93219d2e60

Gastroenterology

intestinal disorders

chronic diarrhea

A 45-year-old man presents to the outpatient gastroenterology clinic with a 6-month history of non-bloody, watery stools occurring five to six times per day. He denies any weight loss, fever, or abdominal pain, and reports a consistently good appetite. His medical history is significant for a cholecystectomy performed approximately five years ago due to acute cholecystitis. On physical examination, his vital signs are stable, and his abdomen is soft, non-tender, and non-distended, with audible hyperactive bowel sounds. Initial laboratory investigations, including a complete blood count and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, are within normal limits. Further stool studies were conducted. Considering the patient's clinical presentation and the comprehensive laboratory findings, which diagnosis is most consistent with these findings, and what is the most appropriate initial management strategy?

Lab ParameterValueReference Range
Hemoglobin140 g/L130-170 g/L
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)2.5 mIU/L0.4-4.0 mIU/L
C-reactive protein (CRP)< 5 mg/L< 5 mg/L
Sodium, stool85 mmol/LPhysiologic
Potassium, stool4.5 mmol/LPhysiologic

Edit question