Question

A 25-year-old previously healthy woman presents with acute right lower quadrant abdominal pain, nausea, and anorexia for 18 hours. Temperature is 38.2 °C, WBC 15 × 10⁹/L, and there is localised peritonism in the right lower quadrant. Pregnancy test is negative. Which is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Order abdominal ultrasound, then arrange urgent surgical consult for likely appendicitis

Answer

Discharge home with oral antibiotics and review in 48 hours

Answer

Order CT abdomen and delay antibiotics until imaging is completed

Answer

Start high-dose steroids to reduce inflammation

Answer

Reassure that this is likely viral gastroenteritis and provide antiemetics only

Practice question