emergency medicine

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 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 72-year-old male presents to the emergency department complaining of sudden onset shortness of breath and right-sided chest pain. He reports that the pain started acutely this morning and has been gradually worsening. He has a history of atrial fibrillation and has been taking warfarin for the past 5 years. He denies any recent trauma or injury. On examination, his vital signs are: heart rate 110 bpm, blood pressure 100/60 mmHg, respiratory rate 28 breaths per minute, oxygen saturation 88% on room air. Auscultation reveals decreased breath sounds on the right side. The patient is pale and diaphoretic. A chest X-ray was initially performed, followed by the image shown. Given the clinical presentation and the findings on the image, what is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

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 55-year-old man presents with 2 days of left lower quadrant pain and mild constipation. He denies fever, nausea, or vomiting. On examination, he is afebrile, BP 120/70, HR 65, O2 sat 99% on air. There is mild LLQ tenderness without guarding or rebound. Bloods show WCC 11.5, CRP 30. 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 32-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with a 2-day history of fever, malaise, and a painful, swollen left knee. She denies any recent trauma or travel history. She has no significant past medical history and is not on any medications. On examination, her temperature is 38.7°C, heart rate is 110 bpm, and blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. The left knee is erythematous, warm, and tender with a moderate effusion, and she has limited range of motion due to pain. Laboratory tests reveal leukocytosis with a left shift. Blood cultures are pending. What is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A 4-year-old boy presents to the emergency department with a 12-hour history of intermittent abdominal pain. His mother reports that the pain seems to come in waves, during which he cries and pulls his legs towards his chest. Between episodes, he appears relatively comfortable and plays normally. He has vomited once. His bowel movements have been normal, but his mother noticed a small streak of blood in his diaper this morning. On examination, the child is alert and playful. His abdomen is soft and non-tender to palpation. Bowel sounds are present. Given the history, the physician orders an abdominal ultrasound, the image is shown. What is the MOST likely underlying cause of this patient's condition?

A 62-year-old man presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of severe headache, nausea, and vomiting. He has a history of poorly controlled hypertension and is currently on no medications. On examination, he is drowsy but arousable, with a blood pressure of 210/120 mmHg and a heart rate of 90 bpm. Neurological examination reveals right-sided hemiparesis and a left gaze preference. A CT scan of the head shows a large hyperdense area in the left basal ganglia with surrounding edema. What is the most appropriate initial management for this patient?

A 55-year-old female presents to the emergency department with a 24-hour history of severe right upper quadrant pain radiating to the back, associated with nausea, vomiting, and subjective fever. On examination, she is tachycardic (HR 105 bpm) and febrile (38.5°C), with marked tenderness and guarding in the right upper quadrant. Blood tests reveal a white cell count of 15 x 10^9/L and C-reactive protein of 120 mg/L. Liver function tests, including bilirubin, are within normal limits. She is initiated on intravenous fluids and broad-spectrum antibiotics. Imaging is obtained. Considering the patient's clinical status and the findings on the provided imaging, which of the following represents the most appropriate definitive management strategy?

A 78-year-old man with a history of chronic atrial fibrillation and hypertension presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of severe pain, numbness, and coldness in his left leg, starting approximately 3 hours ago. He is currently taking aspirin 100mg daily. On examination, his left foot and lower calf are pale and cool to touch. Pedal pulses are absent, popliteal pulse is weak. Sensation is decreased below the ankle, and motor function is preserved but weak. Capillary refill in the toes is delayed. His heart rate is irregularly irregular at 95 bpm, blood pressure 140/85 mmHg. What is the most appropriate initial management step?

A 70-year-old man with a history of hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus is being treated with an ACE inhibitor. His medications include metformin, gliclazide and perindopril. He presents to the emergency department complaining of lightheadedness and dizziness, particularly when standing up. His blood pressure is 90/60 mmHg, and his heart rate is 70 bpm. His electrolytes show a potassium level of 6.2 mmol/L. Which of the following is the most likely cause of his hyperkalemia?

A 72-year-old male presents to the ED with sudden onset shortness of breath and right-sided chest pain. He has a history of atrial fibrillation and has been taking warfarin for the past 5 years. His INR is currently 6.0. A CT scan of the chest is performed (image attached). What is the MOST appropriate initial management step?

A 38-year-old male presents to the emergency department complaining of sudden onset, severe left flank pain that radiates to his groin. He reports associated nausea and vomiting. He denies any fever, dysuria, or hematuria. His vital signs are: Temperature 37.0°C, Heart Rate 88 bpm, Blood Pressure 130/80 mmHg, Respiratory Rate 16 breaths/min, and SpO2 98% on room air. A urine dipstick is positive for blood. An ultrasound is performed, and the image is shown. Given the clinical presentation and the ultrasound findings, what is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A 32-year-old man presents to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain that started suddenly 6 hours ago. The pain is located in the right lower quadrant and is associated with nausea and vomiting. On examination, he has rebound tenderness and guarding in the right lower quadrant. His temperature is 37.8°C, heart rate is 110 beats per minute, and blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. A CT scan of the abdomen shows an inflamed appendix with surrounding fat stranding. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

A 40-year-old man presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of severe headache, nausea, and vomiting. He describes the headache as the worst he has ever experienced. He has a history of hypertension but is otherwise healthy. On examination, he is alert but in distress, with a blood pressure of 180/110 mmHg, heart rate of 90 bpm, and respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute. Neurological examination reveals neck stiffness but no focal neurological deficits. A CT scan of the head shows no acute intracranial hemorrhage. What is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A 45-year-old male presents to the emergency department with sudden onset severe left flank pain radiating to the groin. He reports some nausea but no vomiting. His temperature is 37.5°C, pulse 88 bpm, BP 130/80 mmHg, respiratory rate 16/min, oxygen saturation 98% on room air. On examination, he has significant left costovertebral angle tenderness. Urinalysis shows microscopic haematuria and trace leukocytes. His creatinine is 90 µmol/L (baseline unknown). An ultrasound of the kidneys is performed, shown in the image. Based on the clinical presentation and the finding shown in the image, what is the most appropriate immediate next step in management?

A 3-year-old boy presents with a 12-hour history of intermittent, severe abdominal pain, non-bilious vomiting, and decreased activity. Parents report redcurrant jelly stool. On exam, a palpable mass is noted. Vitals are stable. An ultrasound is performed (shown above). Considering the clinical picture and the image findings, which non-surgical intervention is indicated?

A 72-year-old male presents to the ED with sudden onset shortness of breath and right-sided chest pain. He reports a recent fall but denies any significant trauma. He has a history of atrial fibrillation and is currently taking warfarin. His INR is 6.5. A CT scan of the chest is performed (image attached). What is the MOST appropriate immediate next step in management?

A 72-year-old male presents to the ED with increasing shortness of breath and epigastric pain, especially when lying down. He has a history of GORD, hypertension and COPD. His vitals are stable. An X-ray is performed. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A 72-year-old man presents with sudden onset of severe right groin pain and a firm, non-reducible bulge. He reports mild nausea but denies vomiting or change in bowel habit. Vital signs are stable. A CT scan of the pelvis is performed, as shown. Considering the clinical context and the imaging findings, what is the most appropriate immediate management?

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

A 74-year-old lady presents with a 2-hour history of nosebleed. She is pale and clammy with ongoing bleeding despite digital pressure. Her blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg and her heart rate is 120/min. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

An 82-year-old woman with a history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and a recent hospitalisation for pneumonia was discharged 5 days ago on warfarin 5mg daily. She presents to the emergency department complaining of increasing pain and a rapidly evolving lesion on her right lower leg over the past 48 hours. She denies trauma. Her vital signs are stable: BP 130/80 mmHg, HR 78 bpm, RR 16/min, Temp 36.8°C. Physical examination reveals the appearance shown in the image on her right anterior lower leg. Her INR today is 4.5. She has no known history of protein C or S deficiency. Considering the patient's history, current medication, laboratory result, and the clinical appearance depicted, which of the following represents the most appropriate immediate management strategy?

A 30-year-old man presents to the emergency department with severe right lower quadrant abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. The pain started around the umbilicus and then localized to the right lower quadrant. On examination, he has tenderness and guarding in the right lower quadrant. His temperature is 38.3°C, heart rate is 100 bpm, and blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A 63-year-old man presents to the ED with increasing shortness of breath and epigastric discomfort, particularly after meals. He has a history of well-controlled hypertension and takes no regular medications. Physical examination reveals decreased breath sounds at the left lung base. An abdominal CT scan is performed, the axial view is shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A 62-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of severe headache, nausea, and vomiting. She describes the headache as the worst she has ever experienced. Her medical history includes hypertension and hyperlipidemia, for which she is on regular medication. On examination, she is alert but in distress, with a blood pressure of 180/100 mmHg, heart rate of 90 bpm, and respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute. Neurological examination reveals neck stiffness but no focal neurological deficits. A CT scan of the head shows no acute intracranial hemorrhage. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

A 68-year-old male presents with abdominal pain, distension, and obstipation for 3 days, with a history of multiple abdominal surgeries. Vitals are HR 110, BP 110/70, T 37.8. Exam shows a distended abdomen with high-pitched bowel sounds. An upright abdominal X-ray is shown. Considering the clinical context and the imaging findings, which of the following is the MOST likely expected outcome with initial non-operative management?

A 72-year-old male presents to the ED with increasing shortness of breath and epigastric pain, especially when lying down. He has a history of GORD, hypertension and COPD. His vitals are stable. An X-ray is performed. What is the MOST likely underlying cause of his presentation?

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 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 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 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?

An 82-year-old patient presents to the emergency department with a 3-month history of intermittent retrosternal chest discomfort, worse after meals, and mild shortness of breath on exertion. They report occasional regurgitation but deny significant dysphagia. Past medical history includes hypertension and osteoarthritis. Medications are perindopril and paracetamol. On examination, vital signs are stable, and lung sounds are clear. A chest X-ray is performed. Based on the findings in the image, what is the most appropriate next step in management or investigation?

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 72-year-old man with a history of hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus is being managed with lisinopril. He presents to the emergency department complaining of lip swelling and difficulty breathing. On examination, his tongue appears swollen. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

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. Considering the clinical context and the radiographic findings, what is the primary purpose of inserting a nasogastric tube in this patient?

A 32-year-old male, originally from a high-TB prevalence country, presents to the emergency department with a persistent cough for the past 3 weeks, night sweats, and a 5 kg weight loss. He denies any fever or shortness of breath. Physical examination reveals normal breath sounds bilaterally, with no wheezes or crackles. His vital signs are stable: temperature 37.2°C, heart rate 88 bpm, blood pressure 120/80 mmHg, and oxygen saturation 98% on room air. A chest X-ray was initially interpreted as showing a possible lung mass, prompting further investigation with a PET-CT scan, the axial view of which is shown. Sputum samples have been sent for microscopy and culture, but results are pending. Given the clinical presentation and the imaging findings, what is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

An 98-year-old lady with cognitive impairment has had 2 episodes of acute delirium, is pacing, and is vomiting blood. What is the immediate management?

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 man presents to the emergency department with severe epigastric pain radiating to his back, which started suddenly a few hours ago. He has a history of alcohol use disorder and has been drinking heavily over the past week. On examination, he is diaphoretic and in distress. His vital signs show a blood pressure of 100/60 mmHg, heart rate of 110 bpm, respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute, and temperature of 37.8°C. Laboratory tests reveal elevated serum lipase and amylase levels. An abdominal ultrasound shows no gallstones. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial management step for this patient?

A 55-year-old man presents to the emergency department with sudden onset severe abdominal pain radiating to the back. He has a history of hypertension and is a smoker. On examination, he is diaphoretic and in distress, with a blood pressure of 90/60 mmHg and a heart rate of 110 bpm. Abdominal examination reveals a pulsatile mass in the midline. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A 72-year-old male presents to the ED with sudden onset shortness of breath and right-sided chest pain. He has a history of atrial fibrillation and has been taking warfarin for the past 5 years. His INR is currently 6.5. A CT scan of the chest is performed (image attached). What is the MOST appropriate immediate next step in the management of this patient?

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 32-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with a 2-day history of fever, headache, and a rash that started on her wrists and ankles and has now spread to her trunk. She recently returned from a camping trip in the Northern Territory. On examination, she is febrile at 38.5°C, with a heart rate of 110 bpm and blood pressure of 100/70 mmHg. The rash is maculopapular and blanching. Laboratory tests reveal thrombocytopenia and elevated liver enzymes. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

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 imaging, what is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A 32-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with severe right lower quadrant abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. She reports her last menstrual period was 6 weeks ago. On examination, she has tenderness and guarding in the right lower quadrant. A urine pregnancy test is positive. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

A 68-year-old man presents with 3 days of worsening left lower quadrant pain, fever, and nausea. He has a history of diverticulosis. On examination, he is tachycardic (HR 105), afebrile (37.5°C), and has localised tenderness with guarding in the left iliac fossa. His blood tests show a WCC of 16 x 10^9/L and CRP 150 mg/L. He is commenced on intravenous antibiotics. A CT scan is performed (image provided). Considering the clinical context and the findings on the image, what is the most appropriate next step in management?

A 63-year-old man presents to the emergency department complaining of increasing shortness of breath and epigastric discomfort over the past several months. He reports feeling full quickly after eating only small amounts. He denies any chest pain, fever, or recent weight loss. His past medical history includes hypertension and well-controlled type 2 diabetes. He takes lisinopril and metformin daily. On examination, his vital signs are stable: blood pressure 130/80 mmHg, heart rate 82 bpm, respiratory rate 18 breaths/min, and oxygen saturation 96% on room air. Auscultation of the chest reveals decreased breath sounds at the left base. Abdominal examination reveals mild epigastric tenderness to palpation, but no rebound tenderness or guarding. The provided image was obtained. Which of the following 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?