A 19-year-old man presents with right lower quadrant abdominal pain, nausea and anorexia for 18 hours. Examination reveals localised tenderness and gu...

Question

A 19-year-old man presents with right lower quadrant abdominal pain, nausea and anorexia for 18 hours. Examination reveals localised tenderness and guarding in the right iliac fossa with temperature 38.0°C. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

Accepted Answer

Arrange urgent surgical review for probable appendicitis

Answer

Discharge with oral antibiotics and review in 48 hours

Answer

Order abdominal MRI as the first investigation

Answer

Start high-dose steroids and observe

Answer

Schedule elective colonoscopy

au-acem MCQ (SBA): Acute appendicitis

A 19-year-old man presents with right lower quadrant abdominal pain, nausea and anorexia for 18 hours. Examination reveals localised tenderness and guarding in the right iliac fossa with temperature 38.0°C. What is the most appropriate next step in management?