Practice targeted AMC-style multiple-choice questions on abdominal pain.
A 3-year-old boy presents with sudden onset intermittent severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and lethargy. On examination, he is pale and has a palpable mass in the right upper quadrant. An ultrasound is performed (image provided). Based on this finding, what is the most appropriate next step in management?
A 68-year-old male presents with abdominal distension, obstipation, and vomiting. He has a history of prior abdominal surgery. An upright abdominal X-ray is performed. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
A 68-year-old male presents to the emergency department with a 12-hour history of severe, constant left groin pain. He reports a bulge in his groin that has been present for several years, which he can usually reduce himself. However, today he has been unable to push it back in, and the pain has become excruciating. He denies any fever, nausea, or vomiting. On examination, his vital signs are stable: temperature 37.0°C, heart rate 88 bpm, blood pressure 130/80 mmHg, respiratory rate 16 breaths/min, and oxygen saturation 98% on room air. Abdominal examination is unremarkable. Palpation of the left groin reveals a firm, tender mass that is non-reducible. The overlying skin is erythematous, but there is no crepitus. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed, and an axial slice is shown. Given the clinical scenario and the imaging findings, what is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
A 64-year-old woman presents for review in the outpatient clinic. She reports a history of intermittent, self-resolving episodes of right upper quadrant colicky pain over the past year, but is currently asymptomatic. She denies fever, jaundice, or other systemic symptoms. Her physical examination is unremarkable, and recent liver function tests are within the normal reference range. An elective abdominal ultrasound was performed, yielding the image shown. Based on the clinical presentation and the findings demonstrated, what is the most appropriate next step in her management?
A 45-year-old man presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of severe abdominal pain radiating to the back. He is a smoker and has a history of hypertension. On examination, he is diaphoretic, with a heart rate of 120 bpm and blood pressure of 90/60 mmHg. Abdominal examination reveals a pulsatile mass in the midline. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A 1-year-old presents with the abdominal exam shown. It is easily reducible. What is the most appropriate management?
A 58-year-old male with cirrhosis secondary to alcohol abuse presents with new-onset ascites and RUQ pain. His AFP is markedly elevated. A CT abdomen with IV contrast is performed, as shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in confirming the suspected diagnosis?
A 62-year-old man presents to his general practitioner with a 6-month history of a bulge in his groin that appears when he strains or coughs. He reports mild discomfort but no severe pain. On examination, the GP identifies a soft, reducible mass in the right groin area that appears to emerge through the superficial inguinal ring when the patient coughs. The mass reduces spontaneously when the patient lies down. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management, according to Australian guidelines?
A 62-year-old male presents to the emergency department complaining of left lower quadrant abdominal pain for the past three days. He describes the pain as constant and sharp, rating it an 8 out of 10. He also reports nausea, decreased appetite, and subjective fevers. His past medical history is significant for hypertension and hyperlipidemia, both well-controlled with medications. He denies any recent travel or sick contacts. On physical examination, his abdomen is tender to palpation in the left lower quadrant with guarding. Bowel sounds are present but diminished. The remainder of his examination is unremarkable. His vital signs are: Temperature 38.2°C, Heart Rate 98 bpm, Blood Pressure 140/90 mmHg, Respiratory Rate 18 breaths per minute, and Oxygen Saturation 98% on room air. Laboratory results show a white blood cell count of 14,000/µL with a neutrophilic predominance. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with intravenous contrast is performed, and a representative image is shown. Assuming the patient has no allergies, what is the MOST appropriate initial management strategy?
A 68-year-old man with a history of poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease (stage 3) presents to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain and vomiting. On examination, he has a distended abdomen with diffuse tenderness and guarding. His vital signs show a blood pressure of 90/60 mmHg, heart rate of 110 bpm, and a temperature of 38.5°C. Laboratory tests reveal leukocytosis, elevated serum lactate, and worsening renal function. A CT scan of the abdomen shows pneumoperitoneum and free fluid, suggesting perforated viscus. What is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?
A 68-year-old male presents to the ED with severe groin pain and a palpable mass. He reports constipation and inability to pass flatus for 24 hours. Examination reveals tenderness and erythema. A CT scan is performed. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
A 63-year-old man presents with increasing postprandial fullness. The provided image was obtained. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
A 63-year-old woman with a 20-year history of Crohn's disease presents with worsening abdominal pain, bloating, and occasional post-prandial vomiting. She is currently managed with mesalazine and budesonide. Physical examination reveals mild right lower quadrant tenderness. Laboratory tests show a slightly elevated CRP. Given her presentation and the provided imaging, what is the most appropriate next step in her management?
Which of the following organs is located in the left hypochondriac region?
A 64-year-old woman presents for a routine health check. She reports intermittent episodes of colicky abdominal pain over the past year, which have resolved spontaneously. She denies any current pain, jaundice, fever, or changes in bowel habits. Her physical examination is unremarkable, with a soft, non-tender abdomen. Liver function tests are within normal limits. An abdominal ultrasound, as shown, was performed. Given the clinical context and the ultrasound findings, what is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
A 55-year-old renal transplant recipient on long-term immunosuppression presents with a 2-week history of low-grade fever, malaise, and dull right upper quadrant discomfort. Physical exam is unremarkable except for mild tenderness. Labs show mild leucocytosis and elevated CRP. Imaging is shown. Based on these findings, what is the most appropriate immediate management step?
A 68-year-old woman presents with 3 days of left lower quadrant pain. She reports mild nausea but no vomiting or fever. On examination, she is afebrile, BP 130/80, HR 78, O2 sat 98% on air. There is localised tenderness in the LLQ. Bloods show WCC 13.2, CRP 45. A CT scan is performed. Considering the clinical presentation and the findings demonstrated in the image, what is the most appropriate initial management plan?
A 64-year-old woman presents with a history of intermittent RUQ pain. She denies jaundice or fever. An abdominal ultrasound was performed, as shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
A 28-year-old male with Crohn's presents with increased abdominal pain, non-bloody diarrhea, and fatigue for 3 weeks. He denies fever. Exam shows mild RLQ tenderness. Labs show elevated CRP. Imaging is shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step?
A 45-year-old male presents with intermittent abdominal pain, bloating, and melena. He has a history of multiple cutaneous hemangiomas. A CT scan of the abdomen is performed, as shown. What is the MOST likely underlying cause of the patient's presentation?
A 3-year-old boy presents with sudden onset, intermittent, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and lethargy. On examination, he is pale but haemodynamically stable. An abdominal ultrasound is performed. Based on the clinical presentation and the provided image, what is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?
A 3-year-old boy presents with a 12-hour history of intermittent, severe abdominal pain, drawing his legs up to his chest. He has vomited several times. His vital signs are stable: HR 110, BP 95/60, RR 24, Temp 37.2°C. On examination, he is irritable but comfortable between episodes of pain. His abdomen is soft but mildly distended. A focused abdominal ultrasound is performed, yielding the image provided. Based on the clinical presentation and the findings shown, which of the following non-surgical interventions is typically attempted first to resolve the underlying issue?
A 4-week-old male presents with projectile vomiting after feeding. He is irritable and appears mildly dehydrated. An abdominal exam reveals a palpable, olive-shaped mass in the epigastrium. An upper GI contrast study is performed, and relevant images are shown. What is the MOST appropriate initial step in managing this patient's electrolyte imbalance?
A 78-year-old male presents to the emergency department with a 6-hour history of sudden onset, severe pain and swelling in his right groin. He reports nausea but no vomiting. On examination, there is a tender, firm, non-reducible lump in the right inguinal region. Bowel sounds are present. Vitals are stable: BP 130/80, HR 75, Temp 36.8°C. A CT scan of the pelvis is performed, shown in the image. Integrating the patient's symptoms, physical examination, and the findings shown in the image, what is the most appropriate immediate next step?
A 3-year-old presents with abdominal distension and bone pain. An abdominal CT is performed (image attached). Which of the following is the MOST appropriate initial investigation to confirm the suspected diagnosis?
A 62-year-old male presents to the emergency department with right upper quadrant abdominal pain, weight loss, and jaundice. He has a known history of chronic hepatitis C infection. His vital signs are stable. Physical examination reveals hepatomegaly and mild ascites. The patient denies any alcohol consumption. Laboratory investigations reveal elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. A CT scan of the abdomen with and without contrast is performed, as shown. Based on the imaging and clinical findings, what is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
A 75-year-old male with a history of a reducible groin hernia presents with acute abdominal pain. The provided image was taken. What is the most likely complication?
A 45-year-old man presents to the clinic with a 3-month history of fatigue, weight loss, and abdominal pain. He has a history of type 2 diabetes and hypertension. On examination, he has a palpable mass in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. Laboratory tests reveal anemia and elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). A CT scan of the abdomen shows splenomegaly and multiple hypodense lesions in the spleen. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A 62-year-old male with LLQ pain and mild fever has the CT abdomen shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
A 3-year-old presents with abdominal distension and vague pain. Vitals are stable. An abdominal CT is performed (image attached). Elevated levels of HVA and VMA are noted in the urine. What is the MOST likely origin of the primary lesion?
A 58-year-old woman presents with persistent fatigue, muscle weakness, and vague abdominal pain. Her serum calcium is 3.2 mmol/L (2.1-2.6 mmol/L), and PTH is 190 pg/mL (10-65 pg/mL). She denies any history of fractures or kidney stones. She was referred for imaging, as shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in managing this patient?
A 28-year-old female presents with sudden onset severe right lower quadrant pain, associated with nausea and one episode of vomiting. Her last menstrual period was 6 weeks ago. On examination, she is afebrile, heart rate 88, blood pressure 120/70. Abdominal examination reveals tenderness in the right iliac fossa. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed, with a relevant axial image shown. Considering the clinical presentation and the findings demonstrated in the image, what is the MOST appropriate immediate next step in the management of this patient?
A 65-year-old presents with 2 days of left lower quadrant pain, fever (38.5°C), and nausea. On examination, there is localised tenderness in the LLQ. Vitals: BP 130/80, HR 90, RR 16, SpO2 98%. CRP is 150 mg/L, WCC 18 x 10^9/L. This image is obtained as part of the workup. Considering the clinical context and the findings on the image, which of the following represents the most appropriate initial management strategy?
A 68-year-old male presents to the ED with abdominal distension, obstipation, and vomiting. He reports a history of multiple abdominal surgeries. An upright abdominal X-ray is performed. Based on the image, what is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
A 58-year-old woman presents with persistent fatigue, muscle weakness, and vague abdominal pain. Her serum calcium is 3.2 mmol/L (2.1-2.6 mmol/L), and PTH is 190 pg/mL (10-65 pg/mL). Renal function is normal. She denies any family history of endocrine disorders. Imaging studies are performed, as shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in managing this patient?
A 63-year-old woman with a 20-year history of Crohn's disease presents with a one-month history of worsening abdominal pain, bloating, and occasional vomiting, associated with a 3kg weight loss. She is currently managed with mesalazine and azathioprine. Her vital signs are stable, and physical examination reveals mild right lower quadrant tenderness. Considering the clinical presentation and the provided images, which of the following represents the most appropriate adjustment to her medical therapy?
A 40-year-old male presents with acute, severe left flank pain. An ultrasound is performed. What is the MOST likely underlying cause of the finding on the image?
A 55-year-old male presents with LLQ pain, fever, and increased WBC. A CT scan is performed. He is hemodynamically stable. Based on the image, which of the following is the MOST appropriate initial management strategy?
A 4-week-old male presents with persistent projectile vomiting after each feed. He appears hungry and eagerly feeds, but vomits shortly after. An abdominal X-ray is ordered, the result of which is shown. What is the most appropriate next step in management?
A 70-year-old male presents with a painful groin mass and constipation. The provided image was taken. What is the most appropriate next step?
A 28-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of severe right lower abdominal pain. She reports nausea and vomiting but denies fever or urinary symptoms. Her last menstrual period was two weeks ago, and she is sexually active. On examination, she has tenderness in the right lower quadrant with guarding. A pelvic ultrasound reveals a 5 cm right ovarian cyst with free fluid in the pelvis. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A 45-year-old male with a known history of Blue Rubber Bleb Naevus Syndrome, characterised by recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding and multiple cutaneous vascular lesions, presents to the emergency department with acute onset severe, colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. On examination, his abdomen is distended and diffusely tender with reduced bowel sounds. Vital signs are within normal limits. An urgent abdominal CT scan is performed. Based on the clinical presentation and the findings demonstrated in the image, what is the most appropriate immediate next step in management?
A 55-year-old man presents to the clinic with a 3-month history of fatigue, weight loss, and abdominal discomfort. He has a history of chronic hepatitis B infection. On examination, he has mild hepatomegaly and jaundice. Blood tests reveal elevated liver enzymes and alpha-fetoprotein levels. An ultrasound of the abdomen shows a 3 cm lesion in the right lobe of the liver. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A 58-year-old male, on chronic immunosuppressants, presents with vague abdominal pain. The images are shown. What is the MOST likely causative organism?
A 3-month-old baby presents with abdominal swelling and constipation. A rectal biopsy shows the absence of ganglion cells. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A 72-year-old male presents with abdominal distension, vomiting, and inability to pass flatus for 48 hours. He has a history of prior bowel resection. Examination reveals a tympanitic abdomen and tenderness to palpation. His vitals are stable. An abdominal X-ray is performed, as shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in the management of this patient?
A 64-year-old woman presents for follow-up after experiencing episodes of right upper quadrant pain several months ago, which resolved spontaneously. She denies fever, jaundice, or current abdominal discomfort. Routine blood tests including LFTs are within normal limits. An abdominal ultrasound was performed, with a representative image provided. Considering her history and the imaging findings, what is the most appropriate next step in management?
A 68-year-old male presents with fatigue, weight loss, and vague abdominal discomfort. His past medical history includes a recent diagnosis of gastric mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC). A CT scan of the abdomen is performed, as shown. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
A 45-year-old woman presents to her general practitioner with a 3-month history of epigastric pain that is worse at night and occasionally wakes her from sleep. She describes the pain as a burning sensation that improves with food intake but worsens a few hours after eating. She denies any weight loss, vomiting, or changes in bowel habits. She has a history of intermittent use of ibuprofen for chronic back pain. On examination, she appears well-nourished, with normal vital signs and mild epigastric tenderness on palpation. A urea breath test is positive. What is the most appropriate initial management for this patient?
A 60-year-old man presents with a 6-month history of intermittent aching discomfort in his right groin, exacerbated by standing and lifting. He reports noticing a bulge in the area, similar to the appearance shown, which usually disappears when he lies down. On examination, the bulge is reducible. Vital signs are normal. Considering the clinical presentation and the image, which anatomical structure is the most likely primary site of the fascial defect?