Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse Practice Exam

Anal fissures are primarily characterized by thin tears of the anal mucosa, typically resulting from trauma during bowel movements, especially when passing hard stools. These fissures are often located at the posterior or anterior anal wall and can be quite painful. The pain associated with fissures is usually acute and may lead to difficulty during bowel movements, resulting in a vicious cycle of avoidance, constipation, and further trauma to the mucosa.

In this context, while other symptoms may accompany anal fissures, the defining feature is the actual tear in the mucosal lining, which distinguishes them from other conditions that might cause perianal discomfort or symptoms. Anal fissures may also be associated with additional signs such as bleeding (often bright red), but the primary characterization remains the thin nature of the tear itself. Thus, identifying the condition accurately hinges on recognizing the specific nature of the rupture in the anal mucosa.