Question

A 32-year-old stockman at a remote cattle station in Central Australia develops right iliac fossa pain and fever over 12 hours, with localised tenderness and guarding. The closest hospital with surgical services is over 4 hours away by road. Local retrieval services have been activated but will take several hours to arrive. According to rural and remote emergency care principles, what is the most appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Start intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics, provide analgesia and maintain nil by mouth while awaiting retrieval

Answer

Observe and withhold analgesia until surgical review

Answer

Attempt appendicectomy on site with limited equipment

Answer

Discharge home with oral antibiotics and review if worse

Answer

Delay antibiotics until after surgical consultation at the referral centre

Practice question