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Test Your Ulcerative Colitis Treatment Knowledge Quiz

Assess Your Understanding of Colitis Treatments

Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art promoting a quiz on Ulcerative Colitis treatment knowledge.

Step into this interactive ulcerative colitis quiz designed for students, healthcare professionals, and curious learners seeking to sharpen their knowledge of UC treatment. With 15 targeted questions, this treatment knowledge quiz challenges you to recall key therapies, dosing strategies, and clinical guidelines. Ideal for self-study or classroom review, it complements other assessments like the Medical Treatment Knowledge Quiz and the Knowledge Assessment Quiz . All questions are fully editable - customize the quiz in our intuitive editor and share it with peers. Ready to test yourself - explore more quizzes today.

Which medication class is considered first-line for induction and maintenance in mild to moderate ulcerative colitis?
Systemic corticosteroids
Anti-TNF biologics
5-aminosalicylic acid (mesalamine)
Calcineurin inhibitors
5-ASA agents such as mesalamine reduce inflammation topically in the colon and are first-line for mild to moderate disease both to induce and maintain remission. Systemic corticosteroids are for more severe flares and not for long-term maintenance. Biologics and calcineurin inhibitors are reserved for steroid-refractory or severe cases.
What is the primary goal of induction therapy in ulcerative colitis?
Achieve clinical remission
Reduce long-term hospitalization
Prevent colorectal cancer
Maintain bone density
Induction therapy aims to bring about clinical remission of symptoms, such as resolving diarrhea and bleeding. Preventing cancer and other long-term goals are addressed by maintenance strategies after remission is achieved. Hospitalization reduction may occur but is not the immediate induction goal.
Which administration route is used for rectal mesalamine in ulcerative colitis?
Oral suspension
Subcutaneous injection
Intravenous infusion
Enema
Rectal mesalamine is delivered via enema to directly target distal colonic mucosa. Subcutaneous, oral suspension, and IV routes do not provide the same localized effect in the rectum and distal colon.
Which common systemic side effect is associated with prolonged corticosteroid use?
Neutropenia
Hyperglycemia
Hypotension
Cholestatic jaundice
Corticosteroids increase gluconeogenesis and can cause hyperglycemia with prolonged use. Neutropenia and cholestatic jaundice are not typical steroid effects, and steroids often cause hypertension rather than hypotension.
Which agent is most appropriate for maintenance therapy in a patient with mild ulcerative colitis who achieved remission on mesalamine?
Initiating high-dose prednisone
Continuing mesalamine daily
Switching to cyclosporine
Starting infliximab
Continuing daily mesalamine maintains mucosal anti-inflammatory effects in mild disease. Infliximab, prednisone, and cyclosporine are reserved for more severe or refractory cases and are not indicated for maintenance in mild responders.
Which biologic agent is an anti-TNF approved for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis?
Infliximab
Tofacitinib
Ustekinumab
Vedolizumab
Infliximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody against TNF-alpha and is approved for moderate to severe UC. Vedolizumab targets integrin α4β7, ustekinumab targets IL-12/23, and tofacitinib is a JAK inhibitor; these are all effective but are not anti-TNF agents.
In which scenario are systemic corticosteroids indicated for ulcerative colitis?
Moderate to severe flare not controlled by 5-ASA
Mild proctitis
Maintenance of remission
Prophylaxis of colorectal cancer
Systemic corticosteroids are used for induction in moderate to severe flares when 5-ASA agents are inadequate. They are not used for maintenance due to side effects, nor for mild disease or cancer prophylaxis.
Which laboratory test should be checked before starting azathioprine in ulcerative colitis?
Thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) activity
Fecal calprotectin
C-reactive protein
Anti - Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies
Measuring TPMT activity identifies patients at risk for azathioprine-induced myelosuppression. The other tests assess disease activity or are diagnostic markers but do not predict thiopurine toxicity.
What is a typical oral mesalamine dose for induction of remission in mild to moderate ulcerative colitis?
10 mg twice daily
2.4 to 4.8 grams per day
500 mg once daily
8 mg/kg intravenous
Oral mesalamine induction dosing ranges from 2.4 to 4.8 g/day to deliver effective topical anti-inflammatory action. Lower tablet doses, IV dosing, and milligram doses used for other drugs are not appropriate for mesalamine induction.
Which Mayo Clinic score range defines moderate ulcerative colitis activity?
3 to 5
11 to 12
0 to 2
6 to 10
The Mayo score ranges from 0 - 12; scores of 6 - 10 indicate moderate disease. Scores of 0 - 2 are remission, 3 - 5 mild, and 11 - 12 severe.
What is the mechanism of vedolizumab in ulcerative colitis?
Inhibits JAK1/JAK3 signaling
Antagonizes IL-12 and IL-23
Blocks TNF-alpha
Inhibits α4β7 integrin on lymphocytes
Vedolizumab is a monoclonal antibody against the α4β7 integrin on gut-homing lymphocytes, reducing inflammatory cell trafficking to the colon. TNF blockade is by infliximab, IL-12/23 by ustekinumab, and JAK inhibition by tofacitinib.
Compared to prednisone, what is a key advantage of budesonide MMX in ulcerative colitis?
Higher potency
Lower systemic side effects
Longer half-life
Intravenous administration
Budesonide MMX has high topical activity with extensive first-pass metabolism, leading to fewer systemic side effects. It is less potent systemically and is given orally rather than IV, with a similar half-life to other corticosteroids.
Why might combination therapy with infliximab and azathioprine be used in moderate to severe ulcerative colitis?
To target IL-17 pathways
To eliminate all corticosteroid use immediately
To minimize need for colonoscopy
To reduce immunogenicity and improve efficacy
Combining infliximab with azathioprine decreases anti-drug antibody formation and enhances clinical response. It does not replace the need for surveillance, cannot eliminate steroids immediately in all patients, and does not target IL-17 specifically.
Which condition is an absolute indication for urgent colectomy in ulcerative colitis?
Mild proctitis
Pancolitis in remission
Toxic megacolon
Left-sided colitis responding to 5-ASA
Toxic megacolon is a life-threatening complication requiring urgent colectomy. Mild proctitis and remission states do not require surgery, and left-sided colitis that responds to medication is managed medically.
When monitoring azathioprine therapy, which tests should be performed regularly?
Fasting glucose and hemoglobin A1c
Complete blood count and liver function tests
Serum albumin and fecal calprotectin
Chest X-ray and echocardiogram
Azathioprine can cause bone marrow suppression and hepatotoxicity, so CBC and LFTs are monitored regularly. Glucose and HbA1c monitor steroids, albumin and calprotectin monitor disease activity, and imaging is not required routinely.
Which treatment strategy is supported by evidence for early use of biologics ("top-down") rather than the traditional "step-up" approach in high-risk ulcerative colitis patients?
Increased steroid dependence
Higher risk of infection without efficacy gain
No difference in outcomes compared to step-up
Better mucosal healing and reduced hospitalization
Top-down therapy in high-risk patients has been associated with improved mucosal healing and fewer hospitalizations compared to delaying biologics until after failure of conventional therapies. It does not increase steroid dependence and is more effective than step-up for these patients.
According to clinical guidelines, after starting infliximab induction, when should therapeutic drug monitoring of trough levels first be performed if remission is not achieved?
Week 14
Week 6
Week 20
Week 2
Guidelines recommend measuring infliximab trough levels around week 6 if there is an inadequate response to optimize dosing early. Testing at week 2 is too early for steady-state, and week 14 or 20 delays potential dose adjustments.
Which ulcerative colitis medication is safest and recommended during pregnancy?
Sulfasalazine with daily folate supplementation
Thalidomide
Cyclophosphamide
Methotrexate
Sulfasalazine is considered safe in pregnancy and requires folate supplementation due to folate antagonism. Methotrexate and cyclophosphamide are teratogenic and contraindicated, and thalidomide is also highly teratogenic.
What long-term risk is associated with prolonged thiopurine use in ulcerative colitis?
Cardiomyopathy
Increased risk of lymphoma
Pulmonary fibrosis
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
Thiopurines like azathioprine increase the risk of lymphoma with long-term use. PML is rare with natalizumab or vedolizumab, and cardiomyopathy or pulmonary fibrosis are not typical thiopurine toxicities.
In a patient with severe ulcerative colitis refractory to IV corticosteroids, which rescue therapy is recommended by guidelines?
Subcutaneous methotrexate
IV cyclosporine or infliximab
Oral tofacitinib
Oral sulfasalazine
Guidelines recommend IV cyclosporine or infliximab as rescue therapies in steroid-refractory severe UC. Sulfasalazine and methotrexate are not effective in this setting, and oral tofacitinib is not approved for acute severe colitis.
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify key medication classes used in ulcerative colitis management.
  2. Evaluate treatment strategies based on disease severity and patient profiles.
  3. Apply knowledge of administration routes and dosing protocols effectively.
  4. Analyse potential side effects and contraindications of common therapies.
  5. Demonstrate understanding of maintenance versus induction therapy goals.
  6. Interpret clinical guidelines for optimizing long-term disease control.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Know Your Medication Classes - Dive into the four main players in ulcerative colitis treatment: 5-ASAs, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and biologics. Each squad tackles inflammation in its own style, from mesalamine's local colon action to immune system modulation. Understanding these buddies is your ticket to mastering therapy options. WebMD
  2. Match Treatment to Severity - Mild flare-ups often chill out with 5-ASAs, while moderate to severe cases might need a heavy hitter like biologics or immunomodulators. Customizing therapy to disease intensity ensures the best results and fewer flare-ups. It's like choosing the right tool for the job - precision pays off! NCBI PMC
  3. Pick the Right Administration Route - Oral pills, rectal suppositories or enemas, and even IV infusions each have their superpower zones. Rectal 5-ASAs can zero in on distal colitis, while IV routes deliver rapid relief during severe flares. Selecting the optimal path boosts effectiveness and keeps you on track. WebMD
  4. Watch Out for Side Effects - Corticosteroids may rock weight gain and mood swings, and immunomodulators might invite infection risks. Spotting and managing these side effects early keeps patients safer and more comfortable. A little vigilance goes a long way toward smooth sailing! WebMD
  5. Differentiate Induction vs. Maintenance - Induction therapy is your fire extinguisher during a flare, often employing corticosteroids to douse active inflammation. Once remission is in sight, maintenance steps in with 5-ASAs or immunomodulators to keep the peace. Balancing these phases locks in long-term success. NCBI PMC
  6. Follow Clinical Guidelines - The American Gastroenterological Association often champions biologics like infliximab for moderate to severe cases. Staying in tune with official guidelines means you're practicing evidence-based medicine. It's like having a roadmap to the best treatment highways! Gastro Journal
  7. Spot Contraindications Early - Patients with active infections should steer clear of immunosuppressive therapies to avoid complications. A quick checklist of red flags can prevent serious setbacks. Knowing what to avoid is just as vital as knowing what to use! WebMD
  8. Explore Combination Therapy - Pairing biologics with immunomodulators can pack an efficacy punch but may bump up side effect risks. Weighing pros and cons helps you tailor a combo plan that maximizes benefits while keeping adverse events in check. It's all about smart strategy! NCBI PMC
  9. Keep an Eye on Emerging Treatments - New agents like tofacitinib are breaking onto the scene as alternatives for tough cases. Staying curious about the latest research opens up fresh possibilities for patients who don't respond to classic therapies. Innovation is the key to next-level care! Gastro Journal
  10. Prioritize Patient Education & Adherence - A treatment plan only works if the patient understands it and sticks with it. Engaging, clear education boosts adherence, reduces relapses, and improves quality of life. Teamwork makes the dream work in chronic disease management! WebMD
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