Practice targeted AMC-style multiple-choice questions on vomiting.
A 72-year-old woman with a history of well-controlled hypertension presents with sudden-onset headache and vomiting. Neurological exam reveals mild neck stiffness but is otherwise normal. A CT angiogram reveals a posterior communicating artery aneurysm, which was subsequently coiled. The image shows a post-coiling angiogram. 24 hours post-procedure, she develops worsening headache and new-onset right-sided weakness. What is the MOST appropriate next step?
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 38-year-old male presents to the emergency department with a 2-day history of intermittent abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. He reports passing dark, tarry stools. He has a known history of multiple cutaneous hemangiomas since childhood. On examination, his abdomen is distended and tender to palpation, particularly in the periumbilical region. Bowel sounds are hyperactive. Vitals are: HR 110 bpm, BP 100/60 mmHg, RR 20 breaths/min, SpO2 97% on room air, Temp 37.2°C. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed, and a representative image is shown. Given the clinical presentation and imaging findings, what is the MOST appropriate initial management strategy?
A 3-year-old boy presents with sudden onset, intermittent, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and lethargy. On examination, he is pale and has a palpable mass in the right upper quadrant. Vitals are stable. An ultrasound is performed, shown above. Based on the clinical presentation and the provided image, what is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?
A 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, the laboratory results, and the findings demonstrated in the image, which of the following represents the most appropriate immediate therapeutic intervention?
A 3-year-old boy presents with intermittent abdominal pain, vomiting, and currant jelly stools. An ultrasound is performed, revealing the finding shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in the management of this patient?
A previously well 3-year-old boy presents to the emergency department with a 12-hour history of sudden onset, intermittent, severe, colicky abdominal pain, associated with non-bilious vomiting. Between episodes, he appears lethargic and pale. His vital signs are stable: HR 110, BP 90/60, RR 24, Temp 37.2. Abdominal examination reveals mild distension and tenderness, but no guarding or rebound. Bowel sounds are present. A point-of-care ultrasound is performed by the emergency physician. Considering the clinical presentation, the patient's current stable vital signs, and the specific findings demonstrated in the provided ultrasound image, which of the following represents the single most appropriate immediate next step in the management of this patient in an Australian tertiary paediatric centre?
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, and his weight has remained stable since birth. On examination, an olive-shaped mass is palpated in the epigastric region when the infant is not actively vomiting. An upper GI series is performed, and the image is shown. What is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?
A 5-week-old male presents with projectile vomiting. Ultrasound (shown). What electrolyte abnormality is MOST likely?
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 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 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 63-year-old woman with a 20-year history of Crohn's disease presents with worsening abdominal pain, bloating, and occasional post-prandial vomiting. She is currently managed with mesalazine and budesonide. Physical examination reveals mild right lower quadrant tenderness. Laboratory tests show a slightly elevated CRP. Given her presentation and the provided imaging, what is the most appropriate next step in her management?
A 3-week-old male presents with projectile vomiting after feeds. An upper GI series is performed (image shown). What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
A 3-year-old boy presents with sudden onset, intermittent, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and lethargy. On examination, he is pale and has a palpable mass in the right upper quadrant. Vitals are stable. An ultrasound is performed, shown above. Considering the clinical presentation and the findings in the image, what is the most appropriate initial management step?
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 72-year-old male presents with vomiting and abdominal pain. An abdominal X-ray is performed. What is the MOST likely underlying cause?
A 45-year-old male presents to the ED with left flank pain that started suddenly 6 hours ago. He describes the pain as a sharp, cramping sensation radiating to his groin. He also reports nausea and one episode of vomiting. His vital signs are stable: BP 120/80 mmHg, HR 78 bpm, RR 16 breaths/min, Temp 37.1°C. Urine dipstick shows 2+ blood. A renal ultrasound is performed, and the image is shown. Assuming the patient's pain is not controlled with oral analgesics, what is the MOST appropriate next step?
A 5-week-old male infant presents to the emergency department with a 3-day history of non-bilious, projectile vomiting after each feed. He is otherwise well-appearing and afebrile. His mother reports that he is feeding well but seems increasingly hungry after vomiting. On examination, the infant is alert and active, with slightly dry mucous membranes. Abdominal examination is unremarkable, with no palpable masses. An ultrasound of the abdomen is performed, the image of which is shown. What is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?
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 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 6-week-old male infant presents with a 2-week history of progressively worsening projectile non-bilious vomiting after feeds. He has lost weight and appears lethargic. Initial bloods show a hypochloremic, hypokalaemic metabolic alkalosis. After fluid resuscitation, the image is obtained. What is the most appropriate definitive management for this patient?
A 32-year-old male presents to the emergency department complaining of intermittent abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting for the past 24 hours. He reports passing a small amount of blood in his stool this morning. He denies any fever or chills. His past medical history is significant for multiple cutaneous hemangiomas, which he has had since childhood. On physical examination, his abdomen is mildly distended and tender to palpation in the periumbilical region. Bowel sounds are hyperactive. The patient is hemodynamically stable. A CT scan of the abdomen is performed, the results of which are shown. Given the clinical presentation and imaging findings, what is the MOST appropriate next step in the management of this patient?
A 78-year-old male presents with persistent vomiting and epigastric pain. He reports a history of NSAID use for chronic arthritis. An X-ray is performed. Which of the following is the MOST likely complication associated with this finding?
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 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 stable: blood pressure 120/80 mmHg, heart rate 88 bpm, respiratory rate 16 breaths/min, and temperature 37.0°C. A urinalysis reveals microscopic hematuria. A point-of-care ultrasound is performed, and the image is shown. Given the clinical presentation and ultrasound findings, what is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
A 6-week-old male infant presents to the emergency department with a 2-week history of progressively worsening non-bilious vomiting, which has become projectile over the past few days. His parents report he is feeding eagerly but vomits most feeds shortly after completion. He has had fewer wet nappies than usual and appears more lethargic. On examination, he is irritable but consolable. His weight is below the 3rd percentile, having dropped from the 10th percentile at birth. Vital signs are: Temperature 36.8°C, Heart Rate 155 bpm, Respiratory Rate 40 bpm, Blood Pressure 85/50 mmHg, Oxygen Saturation 98% on room air. Capillary refill time is 3 seconds. Abdominal examination reveals a soft, non-distended abdomen with active bowel sounds; no palpable masses are appreciated. Initial blood gas shows pH 7.52, pCO2 40 mmHg, Bicarbonate 32 mmol/L, Na+ 132 mmol/L, K+ 3.0 mmol/L, Cl- 88 mmol/L. A point-of-care ultrasound was performed, and the image provided was obtained. Considering the clinical presentation and the findings demonstrated in the image, what is the most appropriate immediate next step in the management of this infant?
A 75-year-old female presents to the emergency department with a 24-hour history of worsening colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and multiple episodes of bilious vomiting. She reports no passage of flatus or stool for the past 18 hours. Her past medical history includes an open appendectomy 30 years ago and a hysterectomy 10 years ago. On examination, she is afebrile, heart rate 92 bpm, blood pressure 130/80 mmHg, respiratory rate 18/min, oxygen saturation 98% on room air. Her abdomen is distended and diffusely tender to palpation, with high-pitched tinkling bowel sounds on auscultation. A plain abdominal X-ray series, including the image provided, was obtained. Considering the patient's clinical presentation and the findings demonstrated in the provided image, which of the following represents the most appropriate immediate next step in her management?
A 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 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, the laboratory findings, and the abnormality demonstrated in the provided image, which of the following best explains the mechanism leading to the observed electrolyte and acid-base derangements?
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 3-year-old boy presents with sudden onset intermittent severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and lethargy. On examination, he is pale but haemodynamically stable. Abdominal examination reveals a palpable mass in the right upper quadrant. An ultrasound is performed (image provided). What is the most appropriate next step in management?
A 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 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 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 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 68-year-old male with a history of reflux presents with epigastric pain and vomiting. An X-ray is performed (shown). What is the most likely complication?
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 MOST likely underlying cause of this presentation?
A 6-week-old infant presents with a 1-week history of increasing non-bilious projectile vomiting after feeds. He is otherwise well, afebrile, and has wet nappies. Examination is unremarkable. An ultrasound is performed, shown in the image. Considering the clinical presentation and the findings in the provided image, what is the most appropriate definitive surgical intervention for this condition?
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. Given the clinical presentation and the findings demonstrated in the provided image, which of the following is the most appropriate *next* investigation to guide definitive 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 4-week-old male presents with projectile vomiting after feeding. He is irritable and appears dehydrated. An upper GI series is performed, as shown. After addressing immediate concerns, what is the MOST appropriate next step?
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 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 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 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 3-year-old boy presents with sudden onset intermittent severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and lethargy. On examination, he is pale but haemodynamically stable. Abdominal examination reveals a palpable mass in the right upper quadrant. An ultrasound is performed (image provided). What is the most appropriate next step in management?
A 6-week-old male presents with projectile vomiting after feeds. He is otherwise well-appearing, with normal vital signs. An abdominal ultrasound is performed (image attached). What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
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 3-year-old boy presents with intermittent abdominal pain, vomiting, and currant jelly stools. An ultrasound is performed, revealing the image shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?