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vomiting

Practice targeted AMC-style multiple-choice questions on vomiting.

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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 abdominal distension, obstipation, and vomiting. He has a history of prior abdominal surgery. An upright abdominal X-ray is performed. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Colonoscopy
B. Surgical consultation
C. Barium enema
D. Stool softeners
E. Oral antibiotics
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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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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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Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis
Image by Adityagupta95 CC0 1.0 · Source

A 3-week-old male presents with non-bilious projectile vomiting after each feed. He is otherwise well-appearing. An abdominal X-ray is unremarkable. An upper GI contrast study is performed, and relevant images are shown. What is the MOST likely acid-base disturbance in this patient?

A. Respiratory alkalosis
B. Hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis
C. Normal acid-base balance
D. Respiratory acidosis
E. Hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis
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Pyloric stenosis as seen on ultrasound in a 6 week old
Image by Dr Laughlin Dawes CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 6-week-old male presents with projectile vomiting after feeds. He is otherwise well-appearing, with normal vital signs and no abdominal distension. An ultrasound was performed, and an image is shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Barium swallow study
B. Upper endoscopy with biopsy
C. Surgical consultation for pyloromyotomy
D. Initiate erythromycin therapy
E. Trial of thickened feeds
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Pyloric stenosis as seen on ultrasound in a 6 week old
Image by Dr Laughlin Dawes CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 6-week-old presents with projectile vomiting after feeds. An ultrasound is performed (shown). What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Trial of thickened feeds
B. Upper endoscopy with biopsy
C. Reassurance and close follow-up
D. Start erythromycin
E. Surgical consultation for pyloromyotomy
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A 68-year-old man with a history of poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease (stage 3) presents to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain and vomiting. On examination, he has a distended abdomen with diffuse tenderness and guarding. His vital signs show a blood pressure of 90/60 mmHg, heart rate of 110 bpm, and a temperature of 38.5°C. Laboratory tests reveal leukocytosis, elevated serum lactate, and worsening renal function. A CT scan of the abdomen shows pneumoperitoneum and free fluid, suggesting perforated viscus. What is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Immediate exploratory laparotomy
B. Administer intravenous fluids and reassess in 2 hours
C. Initiate broad-spectrum antibiotics and observe
D. Consult nephrology for dialysis before surgery
E. Perform a diagnostic laparoscopy
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Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis
Image by Adityagupta95 CC0 1.0 · Source

A 3-week-old male infant is brought to the emergency department by his parents due to persistent, non-bilious vomiting after each feeding for the past week. The vomiting has become increasingly forceful. The infant appears mildly dehydrated, with slightly decreased skin turgor. His weight is below the 5th percentile for his age. An abdominal X-ray is unremarkable. Given the clinical presentation, the physician orders further imaging, the results of which are shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Perform an upper endoscopy with biopsy
B. Initiate a trial of thickened feeds
C. Start oral erythromycin
D. Surgical pyloromyotomy
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 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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Ultrasonographic picture taken from a patient with left ureteral stone with hydronephrosis, created in Taiwan
Image by morning2k CC BY 2.5 · Source

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. Administer intravenous ketorolac and discharge with outpatient urology follow-up
B. Consult nephrology for possible percutaneous nephrostomy
C. Order a non-contrast CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis
D. Insert a Foley catheter to monitor urine output
E. Start intravenous antibiotics for presumed pyelonephritis
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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. Percutaneous drainage
B. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
C. Appendectomy
D. Observation and repeat imaging
E. Intravenous antibiotics only
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Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis
Image by Adityagupta95 CC0 1.0 · Source

A 3-week-old male presents with projectile vomiting. Upper GI series (image shown). What electrolyte abnormality is MOST likely?

A. Hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypophosphatemia
D. Hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis
E. Hyponatremia
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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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A neonate, born at 38 weeks gestation, presents with bilious vomiting starting 12 hours after birth. Antenatal ultrasound revealed polyhydramnios. On examination, the baby is active and has a distended upper abdomen but a scaphoid lower abdomen. An abdominal X-ray shows a 'double bubble' sign. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in the management of this neonate, considering potential associated complications?

A. Immediately perform a contrast enema to rule out meconium ileus as a cause of the obstruction.
B. Initiate intravenous fluids, nasogastric decompression, and prepare for surgical intervention after stabilization.
C. Begin feeds with a hydrolysed formula to assess tolerance and rule out milk protein allergy.
D. Start the neonate on broad-spectrum antibiotics to cover potential bacterial translocation.
E. Perform an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to visualize the obstruction and obtain biopsies.
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Pyloric stenosis as seen on ultrasound in a 6 week old
Image by Dr Laughlin Dawes CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 6-week-old male presents with persistent non-bilious vomiting after feeding. He appears hungry and has lost weight since birth. Examination reveals visible peristaltic waves across the abdomen. An abdominal ultrasound is performed, as shown. What is the most likely acid-base disturbance seen in this patient?

A. Metabolic alkalosis
B. Respiratory acidosis
C. Normal acid-base balance
D. Respiratory alkalosis
E. Metabolic acidosis
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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. Lumbar puncture
B. Administer analgesics and observe
C. Start antihypertensive therapy
D. MRI of the brain
E. Repeat CT scan with contrast
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Upright X-ray demonstrating small bowel obstruction
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 72-year-old male presents with vomiting and abdominal pain. An abdominal X-ray is performed. What is the MOST likely underlying cause?

A. Appendicitis
B. Diverticulitis
C. Volvulus
D. Adhesions from prior surgery
E. Pancreatitis
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A 45-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 due to the headache. His blood pressure is 180/110 mmHg, heart rate is 90 bpm, and he has no focal neurological deficits. A CT scan of the head shows no acute intracranial hemorrhage. What is the next best step in management?

A. Administer analgesics and observe
B. Repeat CT scan with contrast
C. MRI of the brain
D. Lumbar puncture
E. Start antihypertensive therapy
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A neonate is born at term following an uneventful pregnancy. Immediately after birth, the baby develops bilious vomiting. Abdominal examination reveals epigastric distension, but the rest of the abdomen is scaphoid. An abdominal X-ray is performed. Which of the following findings on the abdominal X-ray would be most consistent with the likely diagnosis?

A. Double-bubble sign
B. Multiple air-fluid levels throughout the abdomen
C. Free air under the diaphragm
D. Pneumatosis intestinalis
E. Ground glass appearance
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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 colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. He reports no bowel movements for 3 days. His abdomen is distended and tender. An X-ray is performed. Given the findings, what is the MOST likely underlying cause of this patient's condition?

A. Hernia
B. Volvulus
C. Adhesions from prior surgery
D. Intussusception
E. Diverticulitis
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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 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 the clinical presentation and the image, what is the most appropriate next step in management?

A. Pneumatic reduction under fluoroscopy
B. Urgent surgical exploration
C. CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis
D. Admission for observation and IV fluids
E. Administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics
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Giant hiatal hernia, CT image. 63 year old man.
Image by Jmarchn CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 63-year-old male presents with postprandial vomiting and persistent retrosternal discomfort. He reports feeling full quickly after eating only small amounts. An abdominal CT scan is performed, the axial view is shown. What is the MOST likely underlying mechanism contributing to this patient's symptoms?

A. Gastric malignancy
B. Pyloric stenosis
C. Esophageal dysmotility
D. Mechanical obstruction of the gastric outflow
E. Increased gastric acid production
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Ovarian Cyst
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 28-year-old female presents to the ED with acute onset right lower quadrant pain. She reports nausea and vomiting. Her last menstrual period was 6 weeks ago, and she denies any vaginal bleeding. She is hemodynamically stable. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed, with a relevant image shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Emergency hysterectomy
B. Laparoscopic cystectomy
C. Administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics
D. Initiate anticoagulation therapy
E. Expectant management with analgesia
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Ovarian Cyst
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 28-year-old female presents to the ED with acute onset right lower quadrant pain. She reports nausea and vomiting. Her last menstrual period was 6 weeks ago, and she denies any vaginal bleeding. She is hemodynamically stable. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed, with a relevant image shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Laparoscopic cystectomy
B. Immediate laparotomy
C. Expectant management with analgesia
D. Oral contraceptive pills
E. Serum CA-125 level
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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. Diverticulitis
B. Acute appendicitis
C. Acute cholecystitis
D. Renal colic
E. Gastroenteritis
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Pyloric stenosis as seen on ultrasound in a 6 week old
Image by Dr Laughlin Dawes CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

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. Administer intravenous ondansetron and observe for improvement in vomiting.
B. Discharge home with instructions for smaller, more frequent feeds and review by the general practitioner in 24 hours.
C. Insert a nasogastric tube for continuous drainage and commence total parenteral nutrition.
D. Obtain an urgent upper gastrointestinal contrast study to confirm the diagnosis and assess for malrotation.
E. Initiate intravenous fluid resuscitation with 0.9% sodium chloride and potassium chloride supplementation, and arrange urgent surgical consultation.
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Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis
Image by Adityagupta95 CC0 1.0 · Source

A 6-week-old male infant presents to the emergency department with a 5-day history of progressively worsening non-bilious vomiting, which has become projectile over the past 48 hours. He is exclusively formula-fed and his parents report decreased wet nappies and increased irritability. On examination, he is alert but appears slightly lethargic. His weight is below his birth weight. Capillary refill time is 3 seconds. Vitals are: HR 150 bpm, RR 40 bpm, T 37.2°C, BP 85/50 mmHg. Abdominal examination is soft, non-distended, and no masses are definitely palpable. Initial blood gas shows pH 7.52, pCO2 40 mmHg, HCO3 32 mmol/L, Na+ 130 mmol/L, K+ 3.0 mmol/L, Cl- 85 mmol/L. Urea and creatinine are mildly elevated. An imaging study was performed, shown above. Considering the clinical presentation and the findings on the imaging study, which of the following is the most critical immediate management step?

A. Initiate intravenous fluid resuscitation with 0.9% sodium chloride and potassium supplementation.
B. Insert a nasogastric tube for gastric decompression.
C. Administer intravenous ondansetron to control vomiting.
D. Arrange for urgent surgical consultation for pyloromyotomy.
E. Obtain a paediatric surgical ultrasound of the abdomen.
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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 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. Urgent surgical exploration
B. Pneumatic reduction under fluoroscopy
C. Abdominal CT scan with contrast
D. Admission for observation and IV fluids
E. Administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics
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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. Start intravenous antihypertensive therapy
B. Administer antiemetics and observe
C. MRI of the brain
D. Repeat CT scan with contrast
E. Lumbar puncture
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Pyloric stenosis as seen on ultrasound in a 6 week old
Image by Dr Laughlin Dawes CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 5-week-old male presents with non-bilious projectile vomiting after each feed for the past week. He is alert but appears dehydrated. An ultrasound is performed, as shown. What electrolyte abnormality is MOST likely present?

A. Hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis
B. Hyponatremia
C. Normal electrolytes
D. Hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis
E. Hyperkalemia
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Pyloric stenosis as seen on ultrasound in a 6 week old
Image by Dr Laughlin Dawes CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 6-week-old infant presents with a 1-week history of increasing frequency of non-bilious, projectile vomiting occurring shortly after feeds. He has lost some weight since his last check-up. Examination is otherwise unremarkable. An ultrasound is performed, shown in the image. Based on the clinical presentation and the provided image, which of the following electrolyte abnormalities is the most likely consequence if this condition remains untreated?

A. Hypernatremic metabolic acidosis
B. Hyponatremic respiratory alkalosis
C. Hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis
D. Hypokalemic respiratory acidosis
E. Hypercalcemic metabolic alkalosis
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Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis
Image by Adityagupta95 CC0 1.0 · Source

A 3-week-old male presents with projectile vomiting after each feed. He appears hungry and eagerly feeds, but vomits shortly after. An abdominal X-ray is ordered, the result of which is shown. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

A. Surgical pyloromyotomy
B. Upper endoscopy with biopsy
C. Start erythromycin
D. Administer ondansetron
E. Trial of thickened feeds
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Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis
Image by Adityagupta95 CC0 1.0 · Source

A 5-week-old male presents with projectile vomiting after feeds. He is irritable and appears dehydrated. An upper GI contrast study is performed, with relevant images attached. What is the MOST likely underlying cause?

A. Malrotation with volvulus
B. Duodenal atresia
C. Gastroesophageal reflux
D. Hypertrophy of the pyloric sphincter
E. Esophageal stricture
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Diverticular disease
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 62-year-old male presents with acute onset of LLQ pain, fever, and vomiting. His WBC count is elevated. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed. Based on the image, what is the most appropriate next step in management?

A. Flexible sigmoidoscopy
B. IV antibiotics and bowel rest
C. Stool softeners
D. Surgical resection
E. High-fiber diet
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A 45-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with acute onset of severe right upper quadrant abdominal pain radiating to the back, accompanied by nausea and vomiting. She has a history of gallstones but no previous surgeries. On examination, she is febrile with a temperature of 38.5°C, her heart rate is 110 bpm, and she has tenderness in the right upper quadrant with a positive Murphy's sign. Laboratory tests reveal elevated white blood cell count, elevated liver enzymes, and elevated serum amylase. An abdominal ultrasound shows gallstones and a thickened gallbladder wall. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

A. Intravenous antibiotics and cholecystectomy
B. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
C. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
D. Observation and pain management
E. Percutaneous cholecystostomy
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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. Perform an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.
B. Arrange for an urgent contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis.
C. Discharge the patient home with oral analgesia and instructions to return if symptoms worsen.
D. Administer a high-dose osmotic laxative orally.
E. Proceed directly to exploratory laparotomy.
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Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis
Image by Adityagupta95 CC0 1.0 · Source

A 3-week-old male infant is brought to the emergency department by his parents. They report that he has been experiencing projectile vomiting after every feed for the past week. The vomiting is non-bilious. He appears dehydrated, with sunken fontanelles and decreased skin turgor. His weight has decreased since his last check-up. An abdominal X-ray is ordered, the results of which are shown. What is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Surgical consultation for pyloromyotomy
B. Discharge home with oral rehydration solution
C. Perform an upper endoscopy
D. Start feeds with thickened formula
E. Administer intravenous antibiotics
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Pyloric stenosis as seen on ultrasound in a 6 week old
Image by Dr Laughlin Dawes CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 6-week-old male infant presents with a 1-week history of progressively worsening non-bilious vomiting, often projectile, occurring shortly after feeds. His parents report he is constantly hungry and irritable but has had poor weight gain. On examination, he is alert but appears thin. Vital signs are stable. Abdominal examination is soft, non-tender, with no palpable mass. An abdominal ultrasound is performed, the image of which is shown. Considering the clinical presentation and the findings depicted, what is the most appropriate definitive management strategy after initial fluid and electrolyte correction?

A. Trial of antiemetic medication
B. Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy
C. Barium meal study
D. Discharge home with feeding advice
E. Endoscopic balloon dilation
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Upright X-ray demonstrating small bowel obstruction
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 72-year-old male with a history of diverticulitis presents with severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and inability to pass flatus for 24 hours. An upright abdominal X-ray is performed. Based on the image, what is the MOST likely underlying cause?

A. Hernia
B. Volvulus
C. Intussusception
D. Adhesions
E. Neoplasm
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A 28-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of severe right lower abdominal pain. She reports nausea and vomiting but denies fever or urinary symptoms. Her last menstrual period was two weeks ago, and she is sexually active. On examination, she has tenderness in the right lower quadrant with guarding. A pelvic ultrasound reveals a 5 cm right ovarian cyst with free fluid in the pelvis. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Pelvic inflammatory disease
B. Ruptured ovarian cyst
C. Ovarian torsion
D. Ectopic pregnancy
E. Appendicitis
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A 65-year-old man presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of severe headache, nausea, and vomiting. He has a history of hypertension and is currently on antihypertensive medication. On examination, he is alert but in distress due to the headache. His blood pressure is 180/110 mmHg, heart rate is 90 bpm, and he has no focal neurological deficits. A CT scan of the head shows a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial management step in this patient?

A. Administer nimodipine to prevent cerebral vasospasm
B. Perform immediate surgical clipping of the aneurysm
C. Administer mannitol to reduce intracranial pressure
D. Start intravenous labetalol to control blood pressure
E. Initiate anticonvulsant therapy to prevent seizures
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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 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. Pneumatic reduction under fluoroscopy
B. Admission for observation and IV fluids
C. Discharge home with pain relief
D. CT abdomen and pelvis
E. Urgent surgical exploration
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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 to the emergency department 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, what is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Pneumatic reduction under fluoroscopy
B. Abdominal CT scan with contrast
C. Admission for observation and serial abdominal exams
D. Immediate surgical consultation for laparotomy
E. Administration of broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics
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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, what is the most appropriate initial therapeutic intervention?

A. Intravenous fluid resuscitation and pain control
B. Administer a nasogastric tube for decompression and observe
C. Air or hydrostatic enema under fluoroscopic guidance
D. Obtain a CT scan of the abdomen
E. Urgent surgical exploration
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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. Prescribe analgesics and discharge
B. Schedule an exploratory laparotomy
C. Perform a transvaginal ultrasound
D. Administer methotrexate
E. Order a CT scan of the abdomen
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Upright X-ray demonstrating small bowel obstruction
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 72-year-old male presents with abdominal distension, vomiting, and inability to pass flatus for 48 hours. He has a history of prior bowel resection. Examination reveals a tympanitic abdomen and tenderness to palpation. His vitals are stable. An abdominal X-ray is performed, as shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Insert a nasogastric tube and administer intravenous fluids
B. Administer a Fleet enema
C. Order a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with intravenous contrast
D. Administer oral contrast and repeat abdominal X-ray in 6 hours
E. Perform a flexible sigmoidoscopy to rule out sigmoid volvulus
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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 sudden onset, intermittent, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and lethargy. Examination reveals a pale child with a soft abdomen. Vitals are stable. An abdominal ultrasound is performed (image provided). What is the most appropriate next step in management?

A. Admission for observation and serial abdominal exams
B. Intravenous antibiotics and fluid resuscitation
C. CT abdomen/pelvis with contrast
D. Pneumatic reduction under fluoroscopy
E. Urgent surgical exploration
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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 42-year-old male presents to the emergency department with a 3-day history of colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. He reports that he has not had a bowel movement in 2 days and has noticed some blood in his vomit. He has a known history of multiple cutaneous hemangiomas since childhood. On examination, his abdomen is distended and tympanic, with tenderness to palpation in all quadrants. Bowel sounds are high-pitched and infrequent. Vitals are stable. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed, and a representative image is shown. What is the MOST likely underlying cause of the patient's acute presentation, considering his history and the imaging findings?

A. Sigmoid volvulus
B. Bleeding from intestinal hemangiomas leading to intussusception
C. Appendicitis with perforation
D. Crohn's disease exacerbation
E. Adhesions from previous abdominal surgery
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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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