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abdominal pain

Practice targeted AMC-style multiple-choice questions on abdominal pain.

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Upright X-ray demonstrating small bowel obstruction
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 68-year-old male presents to the emergency department complaining of abdominal pain, distension, and obstipation for the past 3 days. He reports a history of multiple abdominal surgeries for adhesions. His vital signs are: HR 110 bpm, BP 110/70 mmHg, RR 22 breaths/min, SpO2 97% on room air, and temperature 37.8°C. Physical examination reveals a distended abdomen with high-pitched bowel sounds. An upright abdominal X-ray is performed, as shown. Given the clinical context and the findings on the imaging, what is the MOST appropriate next imaging investigation to guide management?

A. CT abdomen and pelvis with intravenous contrast
B. Repeat plain abdominal X-ray in 6 hours
C. MRI abdomen
D. Barium enema
E. Upper GI series with small bowel follow-through
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An ultrasound showing target sign which is a characteristic finding for intussusception on ultrasound, this ultrasound is for a 3 year old boy with intestinal intussusception.
Image by Frank Gaillard CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A previously healthy 3-year-old boy presents with colicky abdominal pain and non-bilious vomiting. Physical exam reveals a palpable abdominal mass in the RUQ. An ultrasound is performed, revealing the finding shown. What is the MOST likely lead point?

A. Polyp
B. Appendix
C. Lymphoma
D. Ileocolic valve
E. Meckel's diverticulum
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Acute cholecystitis with gallbladder wall thickening, a large gallstone, and a large gallbladder
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 55-year-old woman presents with 2 days of worsening right upper quadrant pain radiating to her back, nausea, and subjective fever. On examination, she is tender in the RUQ. Vitals are stable. Labs show WCC 15.0, CRP 120. This image is obtained. Considering the clinical presentation and imaging findings, what is the recommended timing for definitive surgical management?

A. Only if symptoms fail to improve with antibiotics
B. Immediately upon diagnosis
C. Following a trial of ursodeoxycholic acid
D. Within 24-48 hours of admission
E. After 6-8 weeks following resolution of acute inflammation
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Acute cholecystitis with gallbladder wall thickening, a large gallstone, and a large gallbladder
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 45-year-old woman presents to the ED with right upper quadrant pain, fever, and nausea for 2 days. Her vital signs are: BP 130/80 mmHg, HR 105 bpm, Temp 38.5°C, RR 18 bpm, SpO2 98% on room air. An abdominal CT scan with contrast is performed, and a slice is shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Start intravenous antibiotics and observe
B. Surgical consultation for cholecystectomy
C. Hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan
D. ERCP to rule out choledocholithiasis
E. Discharge home with oral antibiotics and analgesics
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Ileitis terminalis bei langjaehrigem Morbus Crohn 63W - CT und MRT - 001
Image by Hellerhoff CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 32-year-old male with Crohn's disease presents with worsening abdominal pain and diarrhea despite being on maintenance infliximab. The provided imaging was obtained. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Increase the dose of infliximab
B. Start a course of oral corticosteroids
C. Perform a colonoscopy with biopsy
D. Surgical resection of the affected bowel segment
E. Initiate treatment with metronidazole and ciprofloxacin
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An ultrasound showing target sign which is a characteristic finding for intussusception on ultrasound, this ultrasound is for a 3 year old boy with intestinal intussusception.
Image by Frank Gaillard CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 3-year-old boy presents with intermittent abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloody stools. An ultrasound is performed, the image is shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Stool culture
B. Surgical resection
C. Observation and analgesia
D. Air enema
E. Appendectomy
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Ileitis terminalis bei langjaehrigem Morbus Crohn 63W - CT und MRT - 001
Image by Hellerhoff CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 45-year-old male with Crohn's presents with persistent right lower quadrant pain. Stool studies are negative. Review the imaging. What is the MOST likely complication?

A. Toxic megacolon
B. Fistula formation
C. Appendicitis
D. Small bowel obstruction
E. Perforation
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Fluoroscopic image of common bile duct stone seen at the time of ERCP. The stone is impacted in the distal common bile duct.
Image by Samir धर्म at en.wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 62-year-old presents with jaundice and RUQ pain. The image was obtained during ERCP. What is the MOST appropriate next step?

A. Observation with serial LFTs
B. Ursodeoxycholic acid administration
C. Sphincterotomy and stone extraction
D. Cholecystectomy
E. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography
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Neuroblastoma, CT of the abdomen
Image by RadsWiki CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 3-year-old presents with a 2-month history of increasing abdominal distension and intermittent pain. Physical examination reveals a firm, non-tender mass in the upper abdomen. Blood tests show mild anaemia. Vitals are stable. This CT scan was performed as part of the initial workup. Considering the clinical presentation and the findings demonstrated in the provided image, which of the following investigations is the most critical next step for accurate staging and risk stratification to guide appropriate management in this paediatric patient?

A. Bone marrow aspirate and trephine biopsy
B. Repeat CT scan of the abdomen in 3 months
C. Urgent surgical resection of the mass
D. Genetic testing for WT1 gene mutation
E. Initiation of empirical chemotherapy
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Neuroblastoma, CT of the abdomen
Image by RadsWiki CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 4-year-old boy presents with left flank pain and a palpable abdominal mass. His mother reports decreased appetite and recent weight loss. A CT scan of the abdomen is performed (image attached). What is the MOST likely diagnosis?

A. Lymphoma
B. Hepatoblastoma
C. Wilms tumor
D. Renal cell carcinoma
E. Neuroblastoma
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Elective abdominal ultrasonography of a 64 year old woman with past colicky pain but no current pain. It shows a mildly dilated common bile duct with what appears to be a gallstone (black arrow). The green and blue dots are blood flow, since the exam is done as a Doppler ultrasound to distinguish the bile duct from blood vessels.
Image by Mikael Häggström CC0 1.0 · Source

A 64-year-old woman with past colicky pain has the ultrasound shown. LFTs are normal. What is the MOST appropriate next investigation?

A. Hepatobiliary Iminodiacetic Acid (HIDA) scan
B. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
C. MRCP
D. Repeat ultrasound in 3 months
E. CT Abdomen
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Which of the following organs is located in the left hypochondriac region?

A. Sigmoid colon
B. Appendix
C. Spleen
D. Urinary bladder
E. Gallbladder
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A 2-week-old baby is brought to the clinic with abdominal distension and bilious vomiting. On examination, the abdomen is tense and tender. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis
B. Necrotizing enterocolitis
C. Hirschsprung disease
D. Meconium ileus
E. Intestinal atresia
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Ovarian Cyst
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 32-year-old woman presents to the ED with acute lower abdominal pain. She reports nausea but denies fever or vaginal bleeding. Her last menstrual period was 3 weeks ago. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed, the relevant image is shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Laparoscopic cystectomy
B. Expectant management with analgesia
C. CA-125 level
D. Immediate laparotomy
E. Oral contraceptive pills
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Upright X-ray demonstrating small bowel obstruction
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

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. CT abdomen with contrast
B. Increase oral fluid intake
C. Stool softeners
D. Surgical consultation
E. Oral antibiotics
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A 6-month-old baby has abdominal swelling and vomiting. An abdominal X-ray shows a 'double bubble' sign. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Pyloric stenosis
B. Duodenal atresia
C. Meconium ileus
D. Intussusception
E. Malrotation with volvulus.
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An incarcerated inguinal hernia as seen on CT
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 59-year-old male presents with a painful right groin bulge that has progressively worsened over the past week. He denies fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting. Vitals are stable. The provided image was obtained. What is the MOST appropriate next step?

A. Prescribe analgesics and discharge with surgical follow-up
B. Order a bowel preparation
C. Attempt manual reduction with sedation
D. Initiate broad-spectrum antibiotics
E. Surgical consultation for operative management
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Ileitis terminalis bei langjaehrigem Morbus Crohn 63W - CT und MRT - 001
Image by Hellerhoff CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

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. Prescribe a 5-ASA enema
B. Start a course of oral corticosteroids
C. Increase the dose of his current mesalamine
D. Order a stool culture to rule out infection
E. Initiate anti-TNF therapy
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Synchronous multiple small bowel intussusceptions in an adult with blue rubber bleb naevus syndrome. CT scan of abdomen showing i) multiple intussusceptions demonstrating doughnut signs (white arrows), intussusceptiens [A], intussusceptum [B], distended loop of small

bowel [C] and ii) haemangioma of right quadratus lumborum muscle (dark arrow).
Image by Lee C, Debnath D, Whitburn T, Farrugia M, Gonzalez F CC BY 2.0 · Source

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. Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
B. Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome
C. Gardner syndrome
D. Cronkhite-Canada syndrome
E. Henoch-Schönlein purpura
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An ultrasound showing target sign which is a characteristic finding for intussusception on ultrasound, this ultrasound is for a 3 year old boy with intestinal intussusception.
Image by Frank Gaillard CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

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. Nasogastric tube insertion for decompression and bowel rest
B. Pneumatic reduction under fluoroscopic guidance
C. Administration of intravenous opioids for pain control followed by observation
D. Intravenous fluid resuscitation and broad-spectrum antibiotics
E. Urgent surgical exploration and manual reduction
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Fluoroscopic image of common bile duct stone seen at the time of ERCP. The stone is impacted in the distal common bile duct.
Image by Samir धर्म at en.wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 62-year-old male presents with jaundice and right upper quadrant pain. Initial labs show elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase. An ERCP is performed, and the image is obtained. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage
B. Cholecystectomy
C. Sphincterotomy and stone extraction
D. Observation with serial liver function tests
E. Ursodeoxycholic acid administration
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Acute cholecystitis with gallbladder wall thickening, a large gallstone, and a large gallbladder
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 45-year-old female presents to the emergency department with a 3-day history of right upper quadrant pain, nausea, and subjective fevers. She reports that the pain is constant and worsened by eating. She has no significant past medical history and takes no medications. On examination, she is noted to be uncomfortable, with a temperature of 38.2°C, heart rate of 110 bpm, blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg, and an oxygen saturation of 99% on room air. Abdominal examination reveals marked tenderness to palpation in the right upper quadrant with guarding. Murphy's sign is positive. Laboratory investigations reveal a white blood cell count of 15,000/µL with neutrophilic predominance, total bilirubin of 1.8 mg/dL, alkaline phosphatase of 280 U/L, ALT of 160 U/L, and AST of 130 U/L. The provided image was obtained. Considering the clinical presentation and the findings on the image, which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Order a hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan
B. Administer analgesics and antiemetics, and discharge home with outpatient follow-up
C. Perform an ERCP to rule out choledocholithiasis
D. Initiate intravenous antibiotics and observe for 48 hours
E. Surgical consultation for cholecystectomy
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Neuroblastoma, CT of the abdomen
Image by RadsWiki CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

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. Urine catecholamine metabolites
B. Liver function tests
C. Bone marrow biopsy
D. Alpha-fetoprotein level
E. Complete blood count
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Elective abdominal ultrasonography of a 64 year old woman with past colicky pain but no current pain. It shows a mildly dilated common bile duct with what appears to be a gallstone (black arrow). The green and blue dots are blood flow, since the exam is done as a Doppler ultrasound to distinguish the bile duct from blood vessels.
Image by Mikael Häggström CC0 1.0 · Source

A 64-year-old woman presents for an elective abdominal ultrasound. Several months ago, she experienced a few episodes of intermittent, moderate-to-severe right upper quadrant pain that resolved spontaneously within a few hours each time. She denies any associated fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or jaundice during those episodes or currently. She has no significant past medical history other than well-controlled hypertension. On examination today, she is afebrile, her vital signs are stable, and her abdomen is soft and non-tender. Routine blood tests performed prior to the ultrasound, including full blood count, liver function tests (bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, AST, ALT, GGT), amylase, and lipase, are all within their respective normal reference ranges. The provided image is a representative view obtained during her ultrasound examination. Considering the patient's history, current clinical status, and the findings demonstrated in the image, what is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy alone.
B. Immediate endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).
C. Initiate medical dissolution therapy with ursodeoxycholic acid and review in 3 months.
D. Observation with regular clinical follow-up and repeat abdominal ultrasound in 6 months.
E. Elective endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) followed by elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
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Acute cholecystitis with gallbladder wall thickening, a large gallstone, and a large gallbladder
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 45-year-old woman presents to the ED with right upper quadrant pain, fever, and nausea for 24 hours. Her vital signs are: HR 110, BP 130/80, Temp 38.5°C. An abdominal CT scan is performed (image attached). What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Surgical consultation for cholecystectomy
B. HIDA scan to confirm diagnosis
C. Start intravenous antibiotics and observe
D. ERCP for possible choledocholithiasis
E. Discharge home with oral antibiotics and analgesics
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X-ray of hiatal hernia
Image by Ahmed Farhat, Daryn Towle CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 72-year-old male presents with increasing shortness of breath and epigastric discomfort, particularly after meals. He has a history of well-controlled hypertension. An X-ray is performed. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Perform an upper endoscopy
B. Refer for surgical consultation for fundoplication
C. Initiate a proton pump inhibitor and lifestyle modifications
D. Prescribe a prokinetic agent such as metoclopramide
E. Order a barium swallow study
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An ultrasound showing target sign which is a characteristic finding for intussusception on ultrasound, this ultrasound is for a 3 year old boy with intestinal intussusception.
Image by Frank Gaillard CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 2-year-old boy presents with abdominal pain and vomiting. An ultrasound is performed, as shown. What is the MOST likely lead point for this condition?

A. Ileocolic junction
B. Polyp
C. Appendix
D. Meckel's diverticulum
E. Duodenal duplication cyst
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Upright X-ray demonstrating small bowel obstruction
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 75-year-old female presents to the emergency department with a 24-hour history of worsening colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and multiple episodes of bilious vomiting. She reports no passage of flatus or stool for the past 18 hours. Her past medical history includes an open appendectomy 30 years ago and a hysterectomy 10 years ago. On examination, she is afebrile, heart rate 92 bpm, blood pressure 130/80 mmHg, respiratory rate 18/min, oxygen saturation 98% on room air. Her abdomen is distended and diffusely tender to palpation, with high-pitched tinkling bowel sounds on auscultation. A plain abdominal X-ray series, including the image provided, was obtained. Considering the patient's clinical presentation and the findings demonstrated in the provided image, which of the following represents the most appropriate immediate next step in her management?

A. Administer a large volume enema
B. Administer broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics
C. Order a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with intravenous contrast
D. Proceed directly to exploratory laparotomy
E. Insert a nasogastric tube for decompression
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Diverticular disease
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

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. Colonoscopy to rule out malignancy
B. Oral antibiotics and outpatient follow-up
C. Stool culture to rule out infectious colitis
D. IV antibiotics and admission for observation
E. Surgical consultation for possible resection
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CT scan of hepatocellular carcinoma, without and with IV contrast
Image by Zhenyu Pan, Guozi Yang, Tingting Yuan, Lihua Dong, Lihua Dong CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 62-year-old male with a history of hepatitis C presents with new onset ascites and right upper quadrant pain. His AFP is elevated. A CT scan of the abdomen with and without contrast is performed, as shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Start sorafenib therapy
B. Referral for liver transplant evaluation
C. Initiate systemic chemotherapy
D. Perform a percutaneous liver biopsy
E. Order a triple phase MRI of the liver
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Acute cholecystitis with gallbladder wall thickening, a large gallstone, and a large gallbladder
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 45-year-old woman presents to the ED with right upper quadrant pain, fever, and nausea for 24 hours. Her vital signs are: HR 110, BP 130/80, Temp 38.5°C. An abdominal CT scan is performed (image attached). What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Percutaneous gallbladder drainage
B. ERCP for possible choledocholithiasis
C. Start intravenous antibiotics and observe
D. Surgical consultation for cholecystectomy
E. Discharge with oral antibiotics and follow-up
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Inguinal hernia right view. Adult male with an inguinal hernia, showing bulging in the groin area.
Image by IkeTheSloth CC0 1.0 · Source

A 58-year-old male presents to your GP clinic complaining of a dragging sensation in his groin, noticeable especially when standing for long periods. On examination, you observe the finding in the image. He denies any pain. What is the MOST appropriate initial management?

A. Reassurance and watchful waiting
B. Trial of analgesia with NSAIDs
C. Referral for urgent ultrasound
D. Referral to general surgery for elective repair
E. Prescription of a scrotal support
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Ultrasonographic picture taken from a patient with left ureteral stone with hydronephrosis, created in Taiwan
Image by morning2k CC BY 2.5 · Source

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. Polycystic kidney disease
B. Renal cell carcinoma
C. Acute pyelonephritis
D. Ureteral obstruction
E. Renal vein thrombosis
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Diverticular disease
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 68-year-old man presents to the emergency department with a 2-day history of worsening left lower quadrant abdominal pain, associated with subjective fever, chills, and nausea. He reports some recent constipation. His past medical history includes hypertension and hyperlipidaemia, both well-controlled on medication. On examination, his temperature is 38.5°C, pulse 95 bpm, BP 130/80 mmHg, respiratory rate 18/min, oxygen saturation 98% on room air. Abdominal examination reveals tenderness and guarding in the left iliac fossa, with mild rebound tenderness. Bowel sounds are reduced. Digital rectal examination is unremarkable. Blood tests show a white cell count of 15 x 10^9/L (neutrophils 85%), haemoglobin 145 g/L, platelets 250 x 10^9/L, C-reactive protein of 120 mg/L. Urea, electrolytes, and creatinine are within normal limits. Liver function tests are normal. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed (image provided). Considering the clinical presentation and the specific findings demonstrated in the provided image, which of the following interventions is most likely to be required in addition to intravenous antibiotics and supportive care?

A. Administration of oral laxatives to relieve constipation
B. Urgent surgical resection of the affected bowel segment
C. Percutaneous drainage of a fluid collection
D. Placement of a nasogastric tube for bowel decompression
E. Endoscopic stenting of a colonic stricture
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Diverticular disease
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 68-year-old male presents to the ED with left lower quadrant abdominal pain, fever, and leukocytosis. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed. Based on the image, what is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Order a barium enema
B. Initiate intravenous antibiotics and bowel rest
C. Schedule elective colonoscopy
D. Proceed with immediate surgical resection
E. Perform flexible sigmoidoscopy
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Diverticulitis in the left lower quadrant. There is outpouching of the colonic wall, wall thickening, and surrounding fat stranding.
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 62-year-old male presents to the ED with left lower quadrant abdominal pain, fever, and nausea for 3 days. His WBC count is 14,000. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed, the axial view is shown. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

A. Perform a colonoscopy to rule out malignancy
B. Start IV antibiotics and admit for observation
C. Schedule elective sigmoid colectomy
D. Prescribe oral antibiotics and discharge home
E. Order a barium enema to assess for obstruction
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Upright X-ray demonstrating small bowel obstruction
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 68-year-old male presents with a 3-day history of abdominal pain, distension, and obstipation, with a background of multiple abdominal surgeries. Vitals show HR 110, BP 110/70, T 37.8°C. Physical exam reveals a distended abdomen with high-pitched bowel sounds. An upright abdominal X-ray is shown. Considering the clinical findings and the radiographic appearance, which of the following potential complications is the MOST critical to evaluate for urgently?

A. Acute kidney injury
B. Severe electrolyte imbalance
C. Bowel ischaemia or strangulation
D. Deep vein thrombosis
E. Aspiration pneumonia
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Contrast-enhanced ultrasound of encephaloid hepatocellular carcinoma
Image by R. Badea, Simona Ioanitescu CC BY 3.0 · Source

A 62-year-old male with a history of hepatitis C presents with new onset ascites and right upper quadrant pain. His AFP is markedly elevated. A contrast-enhanced ultrasound is performed, as shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Referral for liver transplant evaluation
B. Initiate sorafenib therapy
C. Perform a percutaneous liver biopsy
D. Schedule a follow-up ultrasound in 3 months
E. Order a CT scan of the abdomen with IV contrast
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Diverticulitis in the left lower quadrant. There is outpouching of the colonic wall, wall thickening, and surrounding fat stranding.
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 55-year-old male presents to the emergency department with a 2-day history of left lower quadrant abdominal pain, associated with a low-grade fever (38.1°C) and mild nausea. He denies vomiting, diarrhoea, or rectal bleeding. On examination, he has localised tenderness in the left iliac fossa. His vital signs are stable: BP 130/80 mmHg, HR 78 bpm, RR 16/min, SpO2 98% on air. Blood tests show a white cell count of 12.5 x 10^9/L and CRP 45 mg/L. An abdominal CT scan is performed (image provided). Based on the clinical presentation and the provided image, if outpatient management is deemed appropriate, which of the following antibiotic regimens is most consistent with current Australian guidelines?

A. Intravenous ceftriaxone and metronidazole for 5 days
B. Oral amoxicillin-clavulanate for 7-10 days
C. Oral metronidazole monotherapy for 14 days
D. Oral doxycycline for 7 days
E. Oral ciprofloxacin monotherapy for 5 days
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Ileitis terminalis bei langjaehrigem Morbus Crohn 63W - CT und MRT - 001
Image by Hellerhoff CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 32-year-old male with a 10-year history of Crohn's disease presents with worsening abdominal pain and diarrhea despite being on maintenance infliximab. He denies fever or blood in his stool. Physical exam reveals mild tenderness in the right lower quadrant. The provided imaging was obtained. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Start a course of oral budesonide
B. Initiate treatment with vedolizumab
C. Perform a colonoscopy with biopsy
D. Prescribe a course of oral metronidazole and ciprofloxacin
E. Increase the dose of infliximab
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Ultrasonographic picture taken from a patient with left ureteral stone with hydronephrosis, created in Taiwan
Image by morning2k CC BY 2.5 · Source

A 45-year-old male presents to the ED with left flank pain radiating to his groin. He reports nausea but no vomiting. Vitals are stable. A focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) exam is performed, with a view obtained as shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Perform a cystoscopy
B. Discharge with analgesics and follow-up with urology
C. Non-contrast CT of the abdomen and pelvis
D. Order serum lipase and amylase
E. Administer intravenous antibiotics
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Diverticulitis in the left lower quadrant. There is outpouching of the colonic wall, wall thickening, and surrounding fat stranding.
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 65-year-old man presents to his GP with a 2-day history of constant, dull aching pain in the left lower quadrant of his abdomen. He reports mild nausea but no vomiting. His bowel movements have been normal. He denies fever or chills. His past medical history includes well-controlled hypertension. On examination, he is afebrile (37.2°C), blood pressure is 135/85 mmHg, heart rate 72 bpm, respiratory rate 16 bpm. Abdominal examination reveals mild tenderness on deep palpation in the left iliac fossa, without guarding or rebound tenderness. Bowel sounds are normal. Digital rectal examination is unremarkable. Laboratory investigations show a white cell count of 10.5 x 10^9/L (normal range 4-11) and a C-reactive protein of 25 mg/L (normal <5). A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed (image provided). Considering the patient's clinical presentation and the findings demonstrated in the provided image, which of the following represents the most appropriate initial management strategy?

A. Initiate a course of oral antibiotics and provide analgesia for outpatient management.
B. Admit the patient for intravenous antibiotics and close observation.
C. Arrange for urgent surgical consultation for potential intervention.
D. Schedule a colonoscopy within the next 48 hours to assess the colonic mucosa.
E. Discharge the patient with only simple analgesia and advice on a low-fibre diet.
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An incarcerated inguinal hernia as seen on CT
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

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. CT angiography to rule out vascular compromise
B. Manual reduction of the mass
C. Surgical consultation for possible bowel resection
D. Observation with serial abdominal exams
E. Stool softeners and increased fiber intake
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An incarcerated inguinal hernia as seen on CT
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 68-year-old male presents to the ED with a painful lump in his groin that has been present for 3 days. He reports nausea but denies vomiting. His vital signs are stable. An abdominal CT is performed, and a slice is shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Trial of manual reduction in the ED
B. Surgical consultation for emergent repair
C. Prescribe analgesics and discharge with surgical referral
D. Increase dietary fiber and schedule outpatient follow-up
E. Initiate intravenous antibiotics
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Ileitis terminalis bei langjaehrigem Morbus Crohn 63W - CT und MRT - 001
Image by Hellerhoff CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 32-year-old male with Crohn's disease presents with increased abdominal pain and diarrhea. Review the imaging. What is the MOST appropriate next step?

A. Order a stool culture
B. Prescribe a course of antibiotics
C. Perform a colonoscopy with biopsy
D. Initiate corticosteroid therapy
E. Increase the dose of current TNF-alpha inhibitor
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Diverticulitis in the left lower quadrant. There is outpouching of the colonic wall, wall thickening, and surrounding fat stranding.
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 55-year-old male presents to the emergency department with a 2-day history of left lower quadrant abdominal pain, associated with fever (38.2°C) and mild nausea. He denies vomiting, diarrhoea, or rectal bleeding. On examination, he has localised tenderness in the left iliac fossa. His blood pressure is 130/80 mmHg, heart rate 85 bpm, respiratory rate 16 bpm. Blood tests show a white cell count of 14 x 10^9/L and CRP 80 mg/L. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed (image provided). Considering the patient's presentation and the findings on the provided image, which of the following is the most appropriate initial management strategy?

A. Intravenous antibiotics and hospital admission
B. Urgent surgical consultation for sigmoid colectomy
C. Oral antibiotics and outpatient management
D. Repeat CT scan in 24 hours to assess for progression
E. Immediate colonoscopy to assess the extent of disease
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Diverticulitis in the left lower quadrant. There is outpouching of the colonic wall, wall thickening, and surrounding fat stranding.
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 65-year-old male presents with acute LLQ pain. The provided image was obtained. What dietary advice is most appropriate upon resolution of acute symptoms?

A. Low-residue diet
B. Gluten-free diet
C. Lactose-free diet
D. Elemental diet
E. High-fibre diet
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Fluoroscopic image of common bile duct stone seen at the time of ERCP. The stone is impacted in the distal common bile duct.
Image by Samir धर्म at en.wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 62-year-old woman presents with right upper quadrant pain, fever, and jaundice. Initial labs show elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase. An ERCP is performed, and the image is obtained. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Ursodeoxycholic acid administration
B. Cholecystectomy
C. Observation with serial liver function tests
D. Sphincterotomy and stone extraction
E. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage
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Hepatic metastases from a gastric mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC).
Image by Hellerhoff CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

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. Initiation of immunotherapy
B. Palliative chemotherapy
C. Observation with serial imaging
D. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE)
E. Surgical resection of the liver lesions
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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. Start a proton pump inhibitor and schedule a follow-up in 4 weeks
B. Initiate a proton pump inhibitor and eradicate Helicobacter pylori with a combination antibiotic therapy
C. Prescribe a histamine-2 receptor antagonist and advise discontinuation of ibuprofen
D. Refer for an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to confirm the diagnosis
E. Recommend dietary modifications and prescribe antacids as needed
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