Question

A 58-year-old man presents to the emergency department with hematochezia, which he says has been going on for 2 days. He has mild hypertension that is well controlled with medication. His vital signs at admission are BP 128/84 and pulse 72 bpm. What would be the study of choice in his evaluation?

1) Colonoscopy
2) Upper endoscopy
3) Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan
4) Anorectal manometry

Answer 1

Colonoscopy would be the study of choice in evaluating a 58-year-old man with rectal bleeding.

Step-by-step explanation:

The study of choice in evaluating a 58-year-old man with hematochezia (rectal bleeding) would be colonoscopy. Colorectal cancer is a potential cause of rectal bleeding, and colonoscopy is both diagnostic and therapeutic. It allows for the identification and removal of precancerous polyps before they become malignant. Screening for colorectal cancer, including colonoscopy, is recommended for individuals over 50 years of age.