American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

Which group of patients is considered high-risk for acute diarrhea evaluation?

1. Healthy adolescents

2. Immunocompromised patients

3. Pregnant women without symptoms

4. Young adults with mild symptoms

The correct answer is: Immunocompromised patients

Immunocompromised patients are considered high-risk for acute diarrhea evaluation due to their weakened immune systems, which renders them more susceptible to severe infections and complications from gastrointestinal illnesses. This population includes individuals with conditions such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, or those undergoing treatments like chemotherapy, which significantly impair their immune function. Because of their heightened vulnerability, any onset of diarrhea in these patients warrants a thorough evaluation to identify the underlying cause and prevent potential complications, such as dehydration and more severe infections. In contrast, healthy adolescents, pregnant women without symptoms, and young adults with mild symptoms generally have more resilient immune responses and may not require the same level of evaluation for acute diarrhea unless they also present additional concerning symptoms or have other complicating factors. Therefore, they are not classified as high-risk.