A patient with Crohn's disease complains of extreme muscle weakness,fatigue,diarrhea,bruising,10-pound weight loss over the last few weeks,and dypnea on exertion.On physical examination,the patient is afebrile,pulse 110,resps 20/min,and BP 100/ 50.BMI is 15.The patient is pale and frail looking,with bilateral ankle edema and bruises noted on cachetic thighs.Which of the following diagnostic tests is most helpful in the diagnosis of intestinal malabsorption?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Stool for fat is most helpful in the diagnosis of intestinal malabsorption because it indicates the inability to absorb dietary fat, which is a common finding in malabsorption syndromes such as Crohn's disease. Liver enzymes, vitamin B12 assay, and INR are not specific to malabsorption and may be elevated for a variety of other reasons.

A Patient with Crohn's Disease Complains of Extreme Muscle Weakness,fatigue,diarrhea,bruising,10-Pound