Which of the following is a characteristic of ulcerative colitis?

A characteristic feature of ulcerative colitis is bloody diarrhea. This inflammatory bowel disease primarily affects the colon and rectum, leading to inflammation and ulceration of the intestinal lining. The presence of blood in the stool is a significant symptom because the ulcers can bleed, resulting in the passage of bloody diarrhea.

This condition often presents with other symptoms as well, including abdominal pain and urgency to defecate. The bloody aspect of the diarrhea is a critical indicator that differentiates ulcerative colitis from other gastrointestinal disorders.

While individuals with ulcerative colitis might experience weight fluctuations due to various factors, weight gain is not a typical characteristic of the condition, as many patients often experience weight loss due to the disease's effects on nutrient absorption and appetite. Diarrhea without blood and increased appetite are also not characteristics associated with ulcerative colitis; instead, patients may have a decreased appetite and non-bloody diarrhea, which might indicate other gastrointestinal issues.