PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What are the common symptoms of a rectal prolapse?

1. Rectal pain, fever, and vomiting

2. Rectal pain, mild bleeding, mucous discharge, and a wet anus

3. Severe abdominal pain and constipation

4. Itching and abnormal stool consistency

The correct answer is: Rectal pain, mild bleeding, mucous discharge, and a wet anus

The common symptoms of rectal prolapse include rectal pain, mild bleeding, a mucous discharge, and a wet anus. When the rectum protrudes through the anal opening, it can lead to discomfort and pain around the rectal area due to the tissue being stretched and potentially damaged. Mild bleeding may occur as the delicate rectal tissue becomes irritated or injured during the prolapse. Additionally, the mucous discharge is a result of the exposed rectal mucosa, which can produce mucus as part of the normal gastrointestinal function. A wet anus often occurs because the exposed tissue can lead to an inability to maintain proper anal hygiene or continence, resulting in moisture accumulation. The characteristics and symptoms described align closely with what is typically observed in patients experiencing rectal prolapse, making this option the most accurate representation of the condition's common clinical features.