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inguinal hernia

Practice targeted AMC-style multiple-choice questions on inguinal hernia.

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An incarcerated inguinal hernia as seen on CT
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

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. Administer broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics and observe for improvement.
B. Urgent surgical consultation for operative repair.
C. Order an urgent ultrasound of the groin to assess for vascular flow.
D. Arrange for elective outpatient surgical repair within the next week.
E. Attempt manual reduction of the hernia under sedation.
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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 55-year-old male presents to his GP complaining of a swelling in his right groin that has been present for several months. He states it is more noticeable when he is standing or coughing and sometimes causes a dull ache, but it is easily pushed back in when he lies down. He denies any fever, nausea, or acute pain. His vital signs are stable. Physical examination reveals the finding shown in the image. Considering the patient's history and the physical examination finding depicted, what is the most appropriate next step in management?

A. Recommend a trial of a supportive truss garment.
B. Referral for elective surgical repair.
C. Request an urgent ultrasound of the groin.
D. Advise watchful waiting and provide analgesia as needed.
E. Immediate surgical consultation for suspected incarceration.
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A 62-year-old male presents to his general practitioner with a six-month history of a painless bulge in his right groin. On examination, a soft swelling is palpable in the right inguinal region, which increases in size on coughing or straining. The swelling is located medial to the inferior epigastric vessels. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial management strategy according to current Australian guidelines?

A. Reassurance and watchful waiting, with advice to return if symptoms worsen.
B. Urgent referral to an emergency department for exclusion of strangulation.
C. Prescription of a truss to provide symptomatic relief.
D. Referral to a physiotherapist for core strengthening exercises.
E. Referral to a general surgeon for consideration of elective repair.
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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 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. Order a repeat CT scan with intravenous contrast in 6 hours to assess for bowel ischemia
B. Prescribe oral analgesics and instruct the patient to follow up with his general practitioner in 24 hours
C. Surgical consultation for emergent operative intervention
D. Attempt manual reduction with intravenous sedation and analgesia
E. Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics and observe for improvement
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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 48-year-old man presents to his GP reporting an intermittent swelling in his right groin over the past six months. He notes it is more prominent when he is upright or coughing and disappears when he lies down. He experiences occasional mild discomfort but denies any acute pain, nausea, or vomiting. His past medical history is unremarkable, and vital signs are stable. Physical examination reveals the finding shown in the image. Considering the patient's history and the physical examination finding depicted, what is the most appropriate recommendation regarding definitive management for this patient?

A. Prescription of a truss for support
B. Watchful waiting with regular review
C. Elective surgical repair
D. Referral for ultrasound imaging
E. Urgent surgical exploration
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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 45-year-old man presents with a bulge in his right groin that he noticed a few weeks ago. It's more prominent when he coughs or strains. Examination reveals the finding in the image. He denies pain. What is the MOST likely diagnosis?

A. Hydrocele
B. Lipoma
C. Indirect inguinal hernia
D. Direct inguinal hernia
E. Femoral hernia
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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 right groin, particularly when standing for long periods. He denies any pain, nausea, or vomiting. On examination, you note the finding in the image. Palpation reveals a soft, reducible mass. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Referral to a general surgeon for elective repair
B. Referral to physiotherapy for core strengthening exercises
C. Urgent referral to the emergency department
D. Prescription of a truss for symptomatic relief
E. Reassurance and watchful waiting
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A 62-year-old male presents to his general practitioner with a six-month history of a painless swelling in his right groin. He reports that the swelling becomes more prominent when he strains or coughs and reduces when he lies down. On examination, a soft, reducible bulge is palpable in the right inguinal region. The bulge is felt to emerge medial to the inferior epigastric vessels. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management, according to current Australian guidelines?

A. Referral to a physiotherapist for core strengthening exercises.
B. Referral to a general surgeon for elective open or laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.
C. Urgent referral to an emergency department for assessment of possible strangulation.
D. Reassurance and watchful waiting, with advice on lifestyle modifications.
E. Prescription of a truss to support the hernia.
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Umbilical hernia
Image by Ibrahim Husain Meraj CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 1-year-old presents with the abdominal exam shown. It is easily reducible. What is the most appropriate management?

A. Referral for physiotherapy
B. Trial of abdominal binder
C. Reassurance and observation
D. Order abdominal ultrasound
E. Surgical referral now
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An incarcerated inguinal hernia as seen on CT
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

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. Considering the patient's acute presentation, physical examination findings, and the specific anatomical relationship demonstrated in the image, what is the most critical potential complication requiring urgent surgical assessment?

A. Epididymo-orchitis
B. Deep vein thrombosis
C. Bowel strangulation
D. Peritonitis
E. Bowel obstruction
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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 52-year-old man presents with right groin discomfort, worse with standing. Examination reveals the finding in the image. What is the MOST appropriate next step?

A. CT abdomen and pelvis
B. Reassurance and watchful waiting
C. Surgical referral for elective repair
D. Urgent surgical referral
E. Prescription of a truss
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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. Urgent referral to the emergency department for strangulation risk
B. Referral to a general surgeon for elective repair
C. Referral for an abdominal CT scan to rule out other pathology
D. Reassurance and watchful waiting with lifestyle advice
E. Prescription of a truss to support the hernia
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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 62-year-old man presents to his GP reporting a swelling in his right groin that has been present for approximately 18 months. He describes it as intermittent, appearing when he stands or strains, and disappearing when he lies down. He occasionally experiences a mild, dull ache in the area, but denies any severe pain, nausea, vomiting, or change in bowel habits. His past medical history includes hypertension controlled with medication. On examination, vital signs are stable, and the finding shown in the image is noted. It is easily reducible. Considering the patient's history, the absence of acute symptoms, and the physical examination finding depicted, what is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Order an urgent ultrasound scan of the groin to confirm the diagnosis.
B. Immediate referral to the emergency department for urgent surgical exploration.
C. Recommend the use of a supportive truss.
D. Prescribe simple analgesia and advise watchful waiting with regular review.
E. Referral for elective surgical repair.
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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 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. Stool softeners and observation
B. Surgical consultation for emergent repair
C. High-fibre diet and increased fluid intake
D. Antibiotics and close monitoring
E. Manual reduction with sedation
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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 62-year-old male presents to his general practitioner complaining of a dragging sensation in his right groin, particularly noticeable when standing for prolonged periods or straining during bowel movements. He denies any acute pain, nausea, vomiting, or changes in bowel habits. His past medical history is significant for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) managed with tamsulosin. On examination, the patient is afebrile with normal vital signs. Palpation of the abdomen is unremarkable. Examination of the groin reveals the finding shown in the image. The swelling increases with coughing. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Urgent referral to the emergency department for suspected strangulation
B. Initiation of high-dose analgesics and close observation
C. Referral to a physiotherapist for core strengthening exercises
D. Prescription of a scrotal support and reassurance
E. Referral to a general surgeon for elective repair
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Umbilical hernia
Image by Ibrahim Husain Meraj CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 4-month-old presents for a well-child visit. The infant is thriving, feeding well, and has no vomiting or respiratory distress. Examination reveals the finding shown. The mass is soft and easily reducible. What is the most appropriate management?

A. Genetic testing for connective tissue disorders
B. Initiation of high-fiber diet
C. Application of an abdominal binder
D. Immediate surgical referral
E. Reassurance and observation
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An incarcerated inguinal hernia as seen on CT
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

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. Based on 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. Order a follow-up ultrasound in 24 hours
B. Urgent surgical exploration and repair
C. Attempt manual reduction under sedation
D. Administer intravenous antibiotics and observe
E. Discharge home with analgesia and advice to return if symptoms worsen
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An incarcerated inguinal hernia as seen on CT
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 72-year-old male presents with a painful, irreducible right groin mass. He reports vomiting and abdominal distension. His vitals are: HR 110, BP 100/60, RR 22, SpO2 96% RA. The provided image was obtained. What is the next step?

A. Attempt manual reduction with sedation
B. Surgical consultation for emergent repair
C. Order a repeat CT scan with contrast in 6 hours
D. Start a clear liquid diet
E. Administer intravenous antibiotics
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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 with right groin pain and a palpable mass. He reports constipation and mild nausea. Vitals are stable. The provided image was obtained. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Manual reduction attempt
B. Stool softeners and observation
C. Broad-spectrum antibiotics
D. Surgical consultation for emergent repair
E. Increase oral fluid intake and monitor
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Umbilical hernia
Image by Ibrahim Husain Meraj CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 9-month-old presents with the abdominal finding shown. It is soft and reducible. Parents are concerned. What counseling is most appropriate?

A. Reassurance and observation, as most resolve spontaneously by age 5
B. Application of an abdominal binder to prevent further enlargement
C. Immediate surgical referral due to risk of incarceration
D. Initiation of physiotherapy to strengthen abdominal muscles
E. Dietary changes to reduce intra-abdominal pressure
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An incarcerated inguinal hernia as seen on CT
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 65-year-old male presents with groin pain and vomiting. The provided image was taken. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

A. Discharge with stool softeners
B. Administer intravenous antibiotics
C. Apply ice packs to the groin
D. Start a clear liquid diet
E. Surgical consultation for possible bowel resection
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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 72-year-old male presents to the clinic complaining of a painless swelling in his right groin that has been present for several years. He reports that the swelling occasionally increases in size with prolonged standing or heavy lifting, but it usually reduces when he lies down. He denies any acute pain, nausea, vomiting, or changes in bowel habits. His past medical history includes well-controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus and a remote appendectomy. On physical examination, his vital signs are within normal limits. Abdominal examination is unremarkable. Examination of the groin reveals the finding shown in the image. The swelling is easily reducible when the patient is supine. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate initial management strategy for this patient?

A. Urgent surgical exploration
B. Elective surgical repair
C. Referral for watchful waiting with lifestyle modifications
D. Initiation of high-fiber diet and stool softeners
E. Prescription of a truss for symptomatic relief
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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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Umbilical hernia
Image by Ibrahim Husain Meraj CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 6-month-old male infant is brought to the emergency department by his parents. They report that they have noticed a bulge on his abdomen that seems to get larger when he cries. The infant is otherwise healthy, feeding well, and has normal bowel movements. On examination, the infant is afebrile, and his vital signs are within normal limits. The abdomen is soft and non-tender. Palpation reveals a soft, reducible mass at the umbilicus, as shown in the image. What is the MOST appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Urgent ultrasound to rule out incarceration
B. Application of an abdominal binder
C. Reassurance and observation
D. Immediate surgical referral for elective repair
E. Initiation of a high-fiber diet to prevent constipation
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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 62-year-old man presents to his GP with a history of a bulge in his right groin that has been present for approximately 18 months. He reports it is more prominent with straining or standing and disappears completely when he lies down. He denies any associated pain, nausea, vomiting, or change in bowel habits. He has no significant past medical history. His physical examination reveals the finding depicted in the image. Vital signs are within normal limits. Based on this clinical picture, which of the following represents the most appropriate definitive management strategy for this patient?

A. Observation with regular follow-up.
B. Urgent surgical exploration.
C. Further imaging to confirm the diagnosis.
D. Elective surgical repair.
E. Non-surgical management with a supportive device.
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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 68-year-old man presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of severe pain and tenderness in his right groin, associated with nausea. He reports a long history of an intermittent swelling in this area, similar to the appearance shown, which he could previously push back. On examination, the swelling is firm, exquisitely tender, and irreducible. Vital signs are stable. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

A. Attempt manual reduction with sedation and analgesia
B. Order an urgent CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis
C. Prescribe oral analgesia and arrange outpatient surgical review
D. Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics and observe for signs of sepsis
E. Urgent surgical consultation for potential strangulation
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An incarcerated inguinal hernia as seen on CT
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

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. Attempt manual reduction under sedation
B. Discharge home with analgesia and follow-up in outpatient clinic
C. Order an urgent abdominal X-ray series
D. Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics and observe
E. Urgent surgical consultation and exploration
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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 the emergency department complaining of right groin pain that started approximately 6 hours ago. He reports noticing a bulge in his groin for several months, which he could usually push back in. However, today he is unable to reduce it, and the pain has become progressively severe. He denies any fever, nausea, or vomiting. His past medical history includes hypertension and hyperlipidemia, both well-controlled with medications. On examination, his vital signs are stable: blood pressure 130/80 mmHg, heart rate 80 bpm, respiratory rate 16 bpm, and temperature 37.0°C. Abdominal examination is benign. Examination of the groin reveals the finding shown in the image. The area is tender to palpation. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Surgical consultation for emergent repair
B. Ultrasound of the groin to rule out testicular torsion
C. Prescription for a truss and referral to a general surgeon for elective repair
D. CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with intravenous contrast
E. Trial of manual reduction with sedation and analgesia
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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 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. Pain management and discharge with surgical follow-up
B. Referral for elective surgical repair
C. Broad-spectrum antibiotics and observation
D. Trial of manual reduction with sedation
E. Surgical consultation for emergent repair
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An incarcerated inguinal hernia as seen on CT
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

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. Indirect hernia
B. Sliding hernia
C. Richter's hernia
D. Strangulation
E. Direct hernia
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An incarcerated inguinal hernia as seen on CT
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

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. Obtain a groin ultrasound for further assessment
B. Attempt manual reduction under sedation
C. Arrange for elective surgical consultation
D. Administer analgesia and observe closely
E. Emergency surgical exploration and repair
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An incarcerated inguinal hernia as seen on CT
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 78-year-old man presents to the emergency department with acute, severe right groin pain and a palpable, non-reducible mass. He reports associated nausea but denies vomiting or changes in bowel habit. His vital signs are within normal limits, and bowel sounds are audible. A CT scan of the pelvis is performed, the findings of which are depicted in the image. Given the clinical context and the information revealed by the imaging study, what is the most appropriate immediate management strategy?

A. Urgent surgical consultation for operative intervention.
B. Attempt manual reduction under adequate analgesia and sedation.
C. Request an urgent Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow to the contents.
D. Initiate intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics and monitor closely.
E. Arrange for elective hernia repair in the coming weeks.
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An incarcerated inguinal hernia as seen on CT
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

An 80-year-old male presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of severe right groin pain and a non-reducible bulge. He has a history of a reducible inguinal hernia. Vitals are stable. A CT scan of the pelvis is performed. Considering the clinical presentation and the provided imaging, what is the most appropriate immediate management step?

A. Discharge home with advice to see GP if symptoms worsen.
B. Urgent surgical consultation for potential operative intervention.
C. Administer analgesia and observe for spontaneous reduction.
D. Attempt manual reduction under sedation.
E. Order an urgent ultrasound of the groin.
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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. Initiate broad-spectrum antibiotics
B. Trial of manual reduction in the ED
C. Administer analgesia and observe for spontaneous resolution
D. Surgical consultation for emergent repair
E. Increase dietary fiber and schedule outpatient 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 60-year-old man presents with a reducible right groin bulge, as seen in the image. He reports mild discomfort. What is the most appropriate initial management?

A. Surgical referral for elective repair
B. CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis
C. Prescription of a truss support
D. Reassurance and watchful waiting
E. Strong analgesia and urgent surgical review
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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 55-year-old man presents to his GP complaining of a long-standing, intermittent swelling in his right groin that becomes more noticeable when he coughs or lifts heavy objects. It is usually painless and he can push it back in. His vital signs are normal. Considering the clinical presentation and the appearance shown, what is the most appropriate initial management?

A. Urgent surgical exploration
B. Watchful waiting with regular review
C. Elective surgical repair
D. Order an ultrasound scan of the groin
E. Prescribe a truss for support
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Umbilical hernia
Image by Ibrahim Husain Meraj CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 9-month-old presents with a noticeable abdominal protrusion, more prominent when crying. The child is feeding well and has regular bowel movements. Examination reveals a soft, easily reducible bulge at the umbilicus, as shown. Parents are concerned about potential complications. What is the MOST appropriate parental advice?

A. Advise immediate surgical repair to prevent future complications like bowel strangulation.
B. Recommend applying a belly band to reduce the protrusion and promote closure.
C. Reassurance that most cases resolve spontaneously by age 5; surgical intervention is rarely needed unless incarcerated.
D. Suggest a high-fiber diet to prevent constipation and reduce intra-abdominal pressure.
E. Prescribe topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and promote skin closure.
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Umbilical hernia
Image by Ibrahim Husain Meraj CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 6-month-old presents for a well-child check. The image shows the abdominal exam. Parents report it enlarges when crying. What is the most appropriate next step?

A. Immediate surgical exploration
B. Reassurance and observation
C. Initiation of diuretic therapy
D. Application of an abdominal binder
E. Surgical referral for elective repair
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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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Umbilical hernia
Image by Ibrahim Husain Meraj CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 6-month-old infant presents for a routine check-up. The mother reports the infant is feeding well and has normal bowel movements. On examination, you observe the finding in the image. The mass is soft and easily reducible. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Initiation of high-fiber diet
B. Application of an abdominal binder
C. Immediate surgical referral
D. Genetic testing for connective tissue disorders
E. Reassurance and observation
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Umbilical hernia
Image by Ibrahim Husain Meraj CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 9-month-old presents with a noticeable abdominal protrusion, accentuated during crying. The infant is feeding well and has regular bowel movements. Examination reveals a soft, easily reducible bulge at the umbilicus, as shown. Parents are concerned about potential complications. What is the MOST appropriate parental advice?

A. Prescribe topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and promote skin retraction.
B. Recommend applying a belly band to reduce the hernia and promote closure.
C. Advise immediate surgical repair to prevent future complications like bowel strangulation.
D. Suggest a high-fiber diet to prevent constipation and reduce intra-abdominal pressure.
E. Reassurance that most cases resolve spontaneously by age 5; surgical intervention is rarely needed unless incarcerated.
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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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Inguinal hernia right view. Adult male with an inguinal hernia, showing bulging in the groin area.
Image by IkeTheSloth CC0 1.0 · Source

A 62-year-old male presents with a 6-month history of a painless swelling in his right groin, visible especially when standing. Examination reveals the finding in the image. The mass reduces when lying down. What is the MOST appropriate initial management?

A. Prescription of a truss support
B. Referral for physiotherapy
C. Referral for elective surgical repair
D. Urgent surgical consultation
E. Reassurance and observation
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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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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 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. Considering the clinical presentation and the findings demonstrated in the image, what is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Attempt manual reduction of the mass under conscious sedation
B. Order an urgent ultrasound of the groin to assess for vascular compromise
C. Administer intravenous fluids and analgesia, then observe for signs of spontaneous reduction over 24 hours
D. Urgent surgical consultation for operative management
E. Prescribe oral antibiotics and arrange for outpatient surgical review within one week
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A 72-year-old man with a history of a reducible inguinal hernia presents to the emergency department with severe groin pain and a firm, tender mass in the right inguinal region. He reports that he has been unable to reduce the hernia despite his usual maneuvers. He also reports nausea and vomiting for the past 6 hours. On examination, his vital signs are stable, but he appears uncomfortable. The mass in his groin is erythematous and exquisitely tender to palpation. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

A. Administration of intravenous antibiotics and observation
B. Surgical exploration
C. CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with intravenous contrast
D. Attempt manual reduction with sedation and analgesia
E. Ultrasound of the groin to assess blood flow
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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 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?

A. External oblique aponeurosis
B. Femoral canal
C. Superficial inguinal ring
D. Hesselbach's triangle
E. Deep inguinal ring
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