emergency management

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 findings demonstrated in the provided image, which of the following represents the most appropriate initial management strategy?

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 72-year-old man presents to the emergency department with a 6-hour history of worsening pain in his right groin. He has a known right inguinal hernia that has been present for several years and was previously reducible, but he has been unable to push it back in today. The pain is now constant and severe, rated 8/10. He denies fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting. His vital signs are: temperature 37.2°C, heart rate 96 bpm, blood pressure 140/90 mmHg, respiratory rate 18 breaths/min, oxygen saturation 97% on room air. On examination, there is a firm, exquisitely tender, non-reducible mass in the right inguinal region. The overlying skin appears slightly erythematous. Bowel sounds are present and normal. An urgent CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed, and a representative axial image is shown. Considering the clinical presentation and the findings demonstrated in the image, what is the MOST appropriate immediate next step in management?

A GP working in a hospital is observed getting into arguments with colleagues. Later, a colleague finds her disoriented and walking in the hallway. What is the most appropriate initial step?

A 70-year-old man with severe COPD (FEV1 30% predicted), on triple inhaled therapy and supplemental oxygen, presents with a 3-day history of increased dyspnoea, productive cough with purulent sputum, and reduced exercise tolerance. He denies fever or chest pain. On examination, he is tachypnoeic (RR 24), saturating 88% on 2 L/min oxygen, with diffuse wheeze and prolonged expiration. His chest X-ray shows hyperinflation but no new infiltrates. His arterial blood gas on 2 L/min oxygen shows pH 7.32, pCO2 68 mmHg, pO2 55 mmHg, bicarbonate 35 mmol/L. Given this presentation, what is the most appropriate immediate management step?

A 58-year-old man presents to the emergency department with chest pain radiating to his left arm. His ECG shows ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, and aVF. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

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. Vitals are stable. An ultrasound is performed, shown above. Based on the clinical presentation and the provided image, what is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A 68-year-old man presents to the emergency department with 90 minutes of crushing chest pain radiating to his left arm. He is diaphoretic and anxious. ECG shows 3mm ST elevation in leads V2-V4. His blood pressure is 130/80 mmHg, heart rate 75 bpm. What is the most appropriate immediate next step in management?

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. On examination, his temperature is 38.5°C, pulse 95 bpm, BP 130/80 mmHg. Abdominal examination reveals tenderness and guarding in the left iliac fossa. Bowel sounds are reduced. Blood tests show a white cell count of 15 x 10^9/L (neutrophils 85%) and C-reactive protein of 120 mg/L. Urea, electrolytes, and creatinine are within normal limits. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed (image provided). Considering the clinical presentation and the findings demonstrated in the provided image, which of the following represents the most appropriate initial management strategy?

A 65-year-old male presents to the emergency department with 2 days of constant right upper quadrant pain radiating to the back, associated with nausea and subjective fever. On examination, he is febrile (38.5°C) with significant tenderness and a positive Murphy's sign in the right upper quadrant. His white cell count is elevated at 15 x 10^9/L, and CRP is 120 mg/L. Liver function tests are within normal limits. Considering the clinical findings and the provided imaging, what is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

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, what is the most appropriate setting for this patient's initial management?

A 72-year-old female on warfarin for chronic atrial fibrillation presents with a 2-day history of increasing pain and a developing lesion on her right lower leg. She denies trauma. Her INR is therapeutic at 2.5. Vitals are stable. Considering the clinical presentation and the image provided, what is the most appropriate immediate management?

A 72-year-old male with acute cholangitis is undergoing ERCP for stone extraction. The image is obtained after cannulation. Based on the findings, what is the most appropriate immediate next step in the procedure?

A 65-year-old man presents with 2 days of left lower quadrant abdominal pain, fever, and nausea. On examination, he is afebrile, haemodynamically stable, with localised tenderness in the LLQ. Blood tests show a WCC of 14.5. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed. Considering the clinical presentation and the findings demonstrated in the image, what is the most appropriate initial management plan?

An 80-year-old presents with cough, fever, and new confusion. Vital signs: T 38.5°C, HR 110, BP 100/60, RR 28, SpO2 90% on air. Chest X-ray shows consolidation. What is the most appropriate initial management step?

A 68-year-old man with hypertension presents with sudden onset right-sided weakness and slurred speech. GCS is 13. BP 190/110 mmHg. What is the most critical initial investigation to guide management?

A 3-year-old child presents to the emergency department with a sudden onset of cough, wheezing, and difficulty breathing after playing with small toys. The child is in mild respiratory distress, with a respiratory rate of 40 breaths per minute and oxygen saturation of 92% on room air. On auscultation, there are decreased breath sounds on the right side with wheezing. The child has no fever, and there is no history of recent illness. What is the most likely cause of these symptoms?

An 80-year-old man with known severe COPD and stable ischaemic heart disease presents to the emergency department with a 2-day history of worsening shortness of breath, increased cough productive of yellow sputum, and ankle swelling. He is usually independent but now struggles to walk across a room. On examination: Alert but distressed. BP 130/85 mmHg, HR 110 bpm, RR 28 breaths/min, Temp 37.8°C, SpO2 88% on room air. Chest examination reveals diffuse wheezes and crackles bilaterally, reduced air entry at the bases. JVP is elevated to 5 cm above the sternal angle. Mild pitting edema to the knees. ECG shows sinus tachycardia, no acute ischaemic changes. Chest X-ray shows hyperinflation, flattened diaphragms, increased bronchial markings, and mild interstitial prominence. Given this presentation, what is the most appropriate initial management step?

A 68-year-old male presents to the ED with severe groin pain and a palpable mass. He reports a history of a reducible bulge in the same area, but today it is firm and tender. He denies fever, nausea, or vomiting. Examination reveals stable vital signs. Review the provided image. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A patient is given an antiemetic and subsequently develops spasticity of the back. What is the most appropriate initial management?

A 43-year-old is unconscious with low blood glucose (1.8 mmol/L), has a history of insulin use and alcohol intake. What is the next step?

A 68-year-old presents with a 3-day history of fever, jaundice, and severe RUQ pain radiating to the back. Vitals: T 38.5°C, BP 110/70, HR 95. LFTs show bilirubin 150, ALP 450, ALT 120. An ERCP is performed for stone extraction. The image is captured during the procedure after cannulation. Considering the findings demonstrated in the image, what is the most appropriate immediate next step in management during the current procedure?

A 10-year-old boy with a history of asthma presents to the emergency department with wheezing and shortness of breath. His mother reports that he has been using his salbutamol inhaler more frequently over the past two days. On examination, he has a respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute, and his oxygen saturation is 92% on room air. What is the most appropriate initial management step?

A 6-week-old male infant presents to the emergency department with a 2-week history of progressively worsening non-bilious vomiting, which has become projectile over the past few days. His parents report he is feeding eagerly but vomits most feeds shortly after completion. He has had fewer wet nappies than usual and appears more lethargic. On examination, he is irritable but consolable. His weight is below the 3rd percentile, having dropped from the 10th percentile at birth. Vital signs are: Temperature 36.8°C, Heart Rate 155 bpm, Respiratory Rate 40 bpm, Blood Pressure 85/50 mmHg, Oxygen Saturation 98% on room air. Capillary refill time is 3 seconds. Abdominal examination reveals a soft, non-distended abdomen with active bowel sounds; no palpable masses are appreciated. Initial blood gas shows pH 7.52, pCO2 40 mmHg, Bicarbonate 32 mmol/L, Na+ 132 mmol/L, K+ 3.0 mmol/L, Cl- 88 mmol/L. A point-of-care ultrasound was performed, and the image provided was obtained. Considering the clinical presentation and the findings demonstrated in the image, what is the most appropriate immediate next step in the management of this infant?

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 68-year-old woman with a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia presents to the emergency department with a sudden onset of left-sided hemianopia and mild right-sided weakness. Her symptoms began approximately 4 hours prior to arrival. Initial neurological examination reveals intact language function and no cognitive deficits. A CT angiogram was performed, followed by endovascular coiling. The provided image shows a post-operative angiogram. Despite the intervention, the patient's hemianopia persists, and her weakness has slightly worsened. What is the MOST appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A 3-year-old boy presents with sudden onset, intermittent, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and lethargy. Examination reveals a palpable mass. Vitals stable. Ultrasound performed. Based on the clinical presentation and the provided image, what is the most appropriate next step in management?

A 45-year-old man with a history of hypertension presents to the emergency department with palpitations and lightheadedness. His ECG shows a regular narrow-complex tachycardia at a rate of 180 bpm. There are no visible P waves, and the QRS duration is 0.08 seconds. He is hemodynamically stable. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial management?

A 3-year-old boy presents with sudden onset intermittent severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and lethargy. On examination, he is pale but haemodynamically stable. Abdominal examination reveals a palpable mass in the right upper quadrant. An ultrasound is performed (image provided). What is the most appropriate next step in management?

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, what is the most appropriate initial management plan?

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 5-week-old male infant presents with a 10-day history of non-bilious, forceful vomiting after every feed. His parents report decreased wet nappies and lethargy. On examination, he is pale, weighs 3.2 kg (birth weight 3.5 kg), has sunken eyes, and poor skin turgor. Vital signs: HR 170, RR 45, Temp 37.0, BP 80/50. Initial bloods show Na 132, K 3.1, Cl 88, HCO3 30. An imaging study is performed, shown in the image. Considering the clinical presentation and the findings demonstrated in the imaging study, what is the most appropriate immediate management priority for this infant?

A 70-year-old man with severe COPD (FEV1 35%) presents with increased cough, purulent sputum, and dyspnoea over 48 hours. He uses salbutamol PRN and tiotropium daily. His oxygen saturation is 88% on room air. Chest X-ray shows hyperinflation but no new consolidation. What is the most appropriate initial management step?

A patient presents with severe community-acquired pneumonia. Which initial investigation is most crucial for guiding immediate management?

A 60-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of severe abdominal pain radiating to her back. She has a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia. On examination, she is hypotensive and tachycardic. Her abdomen is distended and tender, with guarding and rebound tenderness. An abdominal ultrasound reveals a large abdominal aortic aneurysm. What is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A 55-year-old man presents to the emergency department with sudden onset, severe left flank pain radiating to his groin, associated with nausea. He is afebrile, blood pressure 130/80 mmHg, heart rate 85 bpm. Urinalysis shows 20-30 red blood cells per high-power field. Serum creatinine is within normal limits. An ultrasound is performed. Considering the clinical context and the findings demonstrated in the provided image, which of the following is the most appropriate immediate management step?

A 62-year-old man presents to the emergency department with a history of palpitations and dizziness that started suddenly 2 hours ago. He has a history of hypertension and is on lisinopril. He denies chest pain, shortness of breath, or syncope. On examination, his blood pressure is 110/70 mmHg, heart rate is 150 bpm (irregular), respiratory rate is 18 breaths per minute, and temperature is 36.7°C. An ECG is performed, showing an irregularly irregular rhythm with no distinct P waves and a narrow QRS complex. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial management step?

A 55-year-old man presents to the emergency department with crushing chest pain radiating to his left arm and jaw. He is diaphoretic and appears anxious. An ECG shows ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, and aVF. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

A 68-year-old woman with a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia presents to the emergency department with a sudden onset of left-sided hemianopia and mild right-sided weakness. Her symptoms began approximately 4 hours prior to arrival. Initial neurological examination reveals a left homonymous hemianopia, mild right hemiparesis (4/5 strength), and intact sensation. A CT angiogram was performed, and the patient underwent endovascular coiling. The image shows a follow-up angiogram post-procedure. Despite the intervention, the patient's left homonymous hemianopia persists, and her right hemiparesis has not improved. What is the MOST appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A 58-year-old man presents to the emergency department with severe epigastric pain radiating to the back, which started suddenly 6 hours ago. He has a history of alcohol use disorder and has been consuming large amounts of alcohol daily for the past 10 years. On examination, he is diaphoretic and in distress, with a blood pressure of 100/60 mmHg, heart rate of 120 bpm, and respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute. Abdominal examination reveals tenderness in the epigastric region with guarding. Laboratory tests show elevated serum amylase and lipase levels. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial management step?

A 45-year-old male presents to the emergency department with severe chest pain radiating to his left arm, shortness of breath, and diaphoresis. He has a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia. On examination, he is diaphoretic, and his blood pressure is 90/60 mmHg. An ECG shows ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, and aVF. What is the most appropriate initial management for this patient?

A 55-year-old male presents to the emergency department with a 2-day history of left lower quadrant abdominal pain, associated with subjective fever and chills. He denies nausea, vomiting, or change in bowel habits. On examination, he is afebrile, heart rate 85 bpm, blood pressure 130/80 mmHg. Abdominal examination reveals tenderness in the left iliac fossa without guarding or rebound. White cell count is 14 x 10^9/L, CRP 80 mg/L. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed, the relevant axial image is shown. Considering the patient's presentation and the findings on the provided image, which of the following represents the most appropriate initial management strategy?

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 3-year-old boy presents with intermittent severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and lethargy. On examination, he is afebrile with a soft but slightly distended abdomen. An ultrasound is performed (image provided). Based on the clinical presentation and the image findings, what is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A 68-year-old man with a history of diverticulosis presents with recurrent, large volume rectal bleeding. Initial colonoscopy failed to identify or control the source. He remains haemodynamically stable after resuscitation. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

A 67-year-old man presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of severe chest pain radiating to his back. He describes the pain as tearing in nature. His blood pressure is 180/100 mmHg in the right arm and 160/90 mmHg in the left arm. He has a history of hypertension and is a smoker. An ECG shows no acute ischemic changes. What is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A 70-year-old man with a history of hypertension and heart failure is being managed with an ACE inhibitor. He presents to the emergency department complaining of dizziness, especially when standing up. His blood pressure is 90/60 mmHg, and his other vital signs are stable. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial step in managing this patient?

A 45-year-old man presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of severe chest pain radiating to his back. He describes the pain as tearing in nature. He has a history of hypertension and is a smoker. On examination, his blood pressure is 180/110 mmHg in the right arm and 160/100 mmHg in the left arm. His heart rate is 110 bpm, and he has a new diastolic murmur. An ECG shows left ventricular hypertrophy but no ischemic changes. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

A 65-year-old man presents to the emergency department with a 2-day history of worsening left lower quadrant abdominal pain, associated with fever and chills. He reports a change in bowel habit with increased constipation. On examination, he is febrile at 38.6°C and has significant tenderness and guarding in the left iliac fossa. His white cell count is 18 x 10^9/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 represents the most appropriate initial management step in addition to intravenous antibiotics?

A 3-year-old boy presents with sudden onset, intermittent, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and lethargy. His vital signs are stable. On examination, he is pale. An abdominal ultrasound is performed, shown in the image. Based on the clinical presentation and imaging findings, what is the most appropriate next step in management?