Practice targeted AMC-style multiple-choice questions on abdominal pain.
A 28-year-old male presents to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain, fever, and bloody diarrhea for the past 2 days. He has a known history of Crohn's disease, diagnosed 5 years ago, and has been managed with azathioprine. He admits to inconsistent adherence to his medication regimen over the past year due to feeling well. On examination, he is febrile (38.9°C), tachycardic (110 bpm), and hypotensive (90/60 mmHg). His abdomen is distended and tender to palpation, particularly in the lower quadrants, with guarding. Laboratory investigations reveal a white blood cell count of 18,000/mm³ with a left shift, hemoglobin of 10 g/dL, platelets of 450,000/mm³, albumin of 28 g/L, and C-reactive protein (CRP) of 150 mg/L. An abdominal X-ray shows dilated loops of bowel. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in the management of this patient?
A 4-year-old boy presents with a 3-week history of decreased appetite, lethargy, and intermittent abdominal pain. His parents note his abdomen seems larger. Vitals are stable. On examination, a firm, irregular mass is palpable in the upper abdomen. Blood work shows mild anaemia. The provided image is an axial CT slice of the abdomen. Considering the clinical presentation and the findings demonstrated in the image, which of the following investigations is the MOST appropriate initial step to support the suspected diagnosis?
A 55-year-old woman presents with 2 days of worsening right upper quadrant pain radiating to her back, nausea, and subjective fever. On examination, she is tender in the RUQ. Vitals are stable. Labs show WCC 15.0, CRP 120. This image is obtained. Considering the clinical presentation and imaging findings, what is the recommended timing for definitive surgical management?
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 64-year-old woman with a history of intermittent, self-resolving right upper quadrant pain presents for evaluation. She denies fever, chills, or jaundice, and her physical examination is unremarkable. Routine blood tests, including liver function tests and amylase, are within normal limits. An abdominal ultrasound was performed, and a representative image is shown. Based on the findings in this image and her clinical presentation, 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. Based on the clinical presentation and the provided image, what is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?
A 62-year-old presents with jaundice and RUQ pain. The image was obtained during ERCP. What is the MOST appropriate next step?
A 64-year-old woman presents for review in the outpatient clinic. She reports a history of intermittent, self-resolving episodes of right upper quadrant colicky pain over the past year, but is currently asymptomatic. She denies fever, jaundice, or other systemic symptoms. Her physical examination is unremarkable, and recent liver function tests are within the normal reference range. An elective abdominal ultrasound was performed, yielding the image shown. Based on the clinical presentation and the findings demonstrated, what is the most appropriate next step in her management?
A 35-year-old male with a history of multiple cutaneous vascular lesions presents with recurrent episodes of crampy abdominal pain and melena over the past month. His vital signs are stable. An abdominal CT scan is performed. Considering the clinical presentation and the findings demonstrated in the provided image, what is the most likely underlying pathology responsible for the patient's symptoms and the observed bowel findings?
A 3-year-old child is investigated for a 2-month history of increasing abdominal distension and intermittent pain. On examination, a firm, non-tender mass is palpable in the upper abdomen. Initial blood tests reveal mild anaemia. Vital signs are stable. The provided image was obtained as part of the diagnostic evaluation. Considering the clinical presentation and the findings demonstrated, which of the following investigations is most crucial for determining the extent of disease spread, a key factor in guiding subsequent management decisions for this paediatric patient?
A 68-year-old male presents to the emergency department complaining of new onset left flank pain radiating to his groin. He reports a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia, both managed with medications. He denies any recent trauma. His vital signs are stable: blood pressure 130/80 mmHg, heart rate 88 bpm, respiratory rate 16 breaths/min, and oxygen saturation 98% on room air. Physical examination reveals mild tenderness to palpation in the left flank, but no guarding or rebound tenderness. Peripheral pulses are normal and symmetric. A contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed, the axial view is shown. Given the clinical context and the findings on the image, which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
A 45-year-old man presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of severe abdominal pain radiating to the back. He is a smoker and has a history of hypertension. On examination, he is diaphoretic, with a heart rate of 120 bpm and blood pressure of 90/60 mmHg. Abdominal examination reveals a pulsatile mass in the midline. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A 62-year-old male presents with left lower quadrant pain, fever, and leukocytosis. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed, the axial view is shown. What is the most appropriate next step in management?
A 45-year-old woman presents with RUQ pain, fever, and nausea. The image shows the likely cause. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
A 62-year-old male presents to the emergency department with right upper quadrant abdominal pain, weight loss, and increasing jaundice over the past month. He has a history of chronic hepatitis C infection and heavy alcohol use. His vital signs are stable. Physical examination reveals hepatomegaly and mild ascites. Laboratory investigations show elevated bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is significantly elevated. A CT scan of the abdomen with and without contrast is performed, as shown. Based on the clinical presentation and imaging findings, what is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
A 64-year-old woman presents for a routine health check. She reports intermittent episodes of colicky abdominal pain over the past year, which have since resolved. An abdominal ultrasound was performed, the image of which is shown. Liver function tests are within normal limits. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
A 68-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with right upper quadrant abdominal pain, fever, and jaundice. Her vital signs are: temperature 38.5°C, heart rate 110 bpm, blood pressure 110/70 mmHg, respiratory rate 20 breaths per minute, and oxygen saturation 97% on room air. Initial laboratory investigations reveal: white blood cell count 14,000/µL, total bilirubin 6.0 mg/dL, alkaline phosphatase 450 U/L, ALT 300 U/L, and AST 250 U/L. An ERCP is performed, and the image is obtained. Following successful intervention, what is the MOST appropriate next step in managing this patient's condition?
Which of the following organs is located in the left hypochondriac region?
A 68-year-old male presents with constant RUQ pain for 3 days. The image was obtained. What is the MOST likely complication if definitive management is delayed?
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 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 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 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 28-year-old male with Crohn's presents with increased abdominal pain, non-bloody diarrhea, and fatigue for 3 weeks. He denies fever. Exam shows mild RLQ tenderness. Labs show elevated CRP. Imaging is shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step?
A 45-year-old male presents with intermittent abdominal pain and melena. The provided image was obtained. What is the most appropriate next step in management?
A 65-year-old man presents with 2 days of left lower quadrant abdominal pain, fever, and nausea. On examination, he is afebrile, haemodynamically stable, with localised tenderness in the LLQ. Blood tests show a WCC of 14.5. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed. Considering the clinical presentation and the findings demonstrated in the image, what is the most appropriate initial management plan?
A 72-year-old presents with acute cholangitis (fever, jaundice, RUQ pain). LFTs show obstructive pattern. ERCP is performed for biliary decompression and stone extraction. Following successful cannulation and cholangiography, the image is obtained. Based on the findings demonstrated in the image, what is the most appropriate immediate next step during this procedure?
A 62-year-old male presents to the emergency department with right upper quadrant abdominal pain, weight loss, and jaundice. He has a known history of chronic hepatitis C infection. His vital signs are stable. Physical examination reveals hepatomegaly and mild ascites. The patient denies any alcohol consumption. Laboratory investigations reveal elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. A CT scan of the abdomen with and without contrast is performed, as shown. Based on the imaging and clinical findings, what is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
A 64-year-old woman presents for an elective abdominal ultrasound. Several months ago, she experienced a few episodes of intermittent, moderate-to-severe right upper quadrant pain that resolved spontaneously within a few hours each time. She denies any associated fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or jaundice during those episodes or currently. She has no significant past medical history other than well-controlled hypertension. On examination today, she is afebrile, her vital signs are stable, and her abdomen is soft and non-tender. Routine blood tests performed prior to the ultrasound, including full blood count, liver function tests (bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, AST, ALT, GGT), amylase, and lipase, are all within their respective normal reference ranges. The provided image is a representative view obtained during her ultrasound examination. Considering the patient's history, current clinical status, and the findings demonstrated in the image, what is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?
A 45-year-old man presents to the clinic with a 3-month history of fatigue, weight loss, and abdominal pain. He has a history of type 2 diabetes and hypertension. On examination, he has a palpable mass in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. Laboratory tests reveal anemia and elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). A CT scan of the abdomen shows splenomegaly and multiple hypodense lesions in the spleen. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A 72-year-old male presents with increasing shortness of breath and epigastric discomfort, particularly after meals. He has a history of well-controlled hypertension. An X-ray is performed. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
A 2-year-old boy presents with abdominal pain and vomiting. An ultrasound is performed, as shown. What is the MOST likely lead point for this condition?
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 3-year-old boy presents to the emergency department with a one-week history of abdominal pain, decreased appetite, and irritability. His parents also report that he has been increasingly tired and pale. On examination, the child is noted to have a palpable abdominal mass. A CT scan of the abdomen is performed, the axial view is shown. Based on the image and clinical presentation, which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
A 28-year-old with Crohn's presents with new fever and abdominal pain. The patient's CRP is elevated. Review the imaging. What is the MOST appropriate next step?
A 63-year-old man presents to the ED with increasing shortness of breath and epigastric discomfort, particularly after meals. He has a history of well-controlled hypertension and takes no regular medications. Physical examination reveals decreased breath sounds at the left lung base. An abdominal CT scan is performed, the axial view is shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
A 3-year-old presents with abdominal distension and vague pain. Vitals are stable. An abdominal CT is performed (image attached). Elevated levels of HVA and VMA are noted in the urine. What is the MOST likely origin of the primary lesion?
A 45-year-old patient with a known history of multiple cutaneous vascular lesions presents to the emergency department with a 2-day history of intermittent, colicky abdominal pain and nausea. They report chronic fatigue and have a history of iron deficiency anaemia requiring occasional transfusions. On physical examination, vital signs are stable (BP 120/80, HR 75, RR 16, Temp 36.8°C). There is mild diffuse abdominal tenderness without guarding or rebound. Cutaneous examination reveals multiple blue-purple papules and nodules scattered over the trunk and limbs. An abdominal CT scan is performed. Considering the patient's clinical presentation, known history, and the findings demonstrated in the provided image, what is the most appropriate initial management strategy?
A 32-year-old male with Crohn's disease presents with worsening abdominal pain and diarrhea despite being on maintenance infliximab. He denies fever or blood in his stool. An abdominal CT and MRI are performed. Based on the imaging, what is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
A 64-year-old woman presents for a routine health check. She reports intermittent episodes of colicky abdominal pain over the past year, which have since resolved. An abdominal ultrasound, as shown, was performed. Liver function tests are normal. Which of the following 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 55-year-old male presents with LLQ pain, fever, and increased WBC. A CT scan is performed, as shown. He is hemodynamically stable. What is the MOST appropriate initial management?
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 55-year-old man presents to the emergency department with sudden onset severe abdominal pain radiating to the back. He has a history of hypertension and is a smoker. On examination, he is diaphoretic and in distress, with a blood pressure of 90/60 mmHg and a heart rate of 110 bpm. Abdominal examination reveals a pulsatile mass in the midline. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A 45-year-old male with a known history of Blue Rubber Bleb Naevus Syndrome, characterised by recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding and multiple cutaneous vascular lesions, presents to the emergency department with acute onset severe, colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. On examination, his abdomen is distended and diffusely tender with reduced bowel sounds. Vital signs are within normal limits. An urgent abdominal CT scan is performed. Based on the clinical presentation and the findings demonstrated in the image, what is the most appropriate immediate next step in management?
A 55-year-old male presents to the emergency department with a 2-day history of left lower quadrant abdominal pain, associated with fever (38.2°C) and mild nausea. He denies vomiting, diarrhoea, or rectal bleeding. On examination, he has localised tenderness in the left iliac fossa. His blood pressure is 130/80 mmHg, heart rate 85 bpm, respiratory rate 16 bpm. Blood tests show a white cell count of 14 x 10^9/L and CRP 80 mg/L. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed (image provided). Considering the patient's presentation and the findings on the provided image, which of the following is the most appropriate initial management strategy?
A 58-year-old male, on chronic immunosuppressants, presents with vague abdominal pain. The images are shown. What is the MOST likely causative organism?
A 45-year-old woman presents to her general practitioner with a 3-month history of epigastric pain that is worse at night and occasionally wakes her from sleep. She describes the pain as a burning sensation that improves with food intake but worsens a few hours after eating. She denies any weight loss, vomiting, or changes in bowel habits. She has a history of intermittent use of ibuprofen for chronic back pain. On examination, she appears well-nourished, with normal vital signs and mild epigastric tenderness on palpation. A urea breath test is positive. What is the most appropriate initial management for this patient?
A 3-year-old boy presents with sudden onset, intermittent, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and lethargy. His vital signs are stable. On examination, he is pale. An abdominal ultrasound is performed, shown in the image. Based on the clinical presentation and imaging findings, what is the most appropriate next step in management?