Sample interview questions: How do you assess and manage patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) flares?
Sample answer:
Assessment of IBD Flares
- Patient history: Current symptoms, frequency, severity, impact on daily life, previous flares.
- Physical examination: Abdominal pain, tenderness, distention, mass or abscess.
- Laboratory tests: CBC, ESR/CRP, fecal calprotectin, stool cultures.
- Imaging: Endoscopy (colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy) to visualize inflammation and mucosal damage.
- Biopsy: To confirm IBD diagnosis or rule out other conditions.
Management of IBD Flares
Medical Therapy:
- 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASAs): Anti-inflammatory drugs used to reduce inflammation.
- Immunosuppressants: Drugs that suppress the immune system, such as azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, or methotrexate.
- Biologic therapies: Monoclonal antibodies or fusion proteins that target specific immune molecules to reduce inflammation.
- Steroids: Short-term use of corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation rapidly.
Other Measures:
- Dietary modifications: Avoiding trigger foods and implementing an elimination diet can help identify and avoid foods that exacerbate symptoms.
- Stress management: Stress can worsen IBD … Read full answer
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