A woman with chronic diarrhea has the urge to defecate but cannot reach the bathroom. What symptom supports a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome?

The selection of intermittent constipation as a symptom supporting a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is relevant because IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by a combination of symptoms that may include alterations in bowel habits. This disorder can manifest as a mix of diarrhea and constipation, or it may present predominantly with one or the other. Intermittent constipation aligns with the IBS presentation, highlighting the variable nature of bowel habits in affected individuals.

Abdominal cramping is also a significant symptom of IBS, but it is not unique to this condition and can occur in various gastrointestinal disorders. Weight loss is not typically associated with IBS, as this condition usually does not lead to malnutrition or significant weight changes. The presence of bloody stools is generally indicative of more serious gastrointestinal conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer, rather than IBS, which typically does not present with blood in the stool. Therefore, intermittent constipation is a key symptom that supports the diagnosis of IBS, reflecting the characteristic pattern of altered bowel function in this syndrome.