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ChapterSurgery Abdominal emergencies

Diagnostic approach to acute abdomen

Free notes, MCQs, tables & flowcharts for USMLE Step 3 Surgery

10Questions
10Flashcards
3Tables & Flowcharts

Sample Questions

1

A 43-year-old Caucasian woman is admitted to the hospital with acute onset right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain. The pain started 6 hours ago after the patient had a large meal at a birthday party and has progressively worsened. She recalls having similar pain before but not so intense. No significant past medical history. Current medications are only oral contraceptive. Vitals are blood pressure 140/80 mm Hg, heart rate 79/min, respiratory rate 14/min, and temperature 37.6℃ (99.7℉). The patient’s BMI is 36.3 kg/m2. On exam, the patient appears slightly jaundiced. Her cardiac and respiratory examinations are within normal limits. Abdominal palpation reveals tenderness to palpation in the RUQ with no rebound or guarding, and there is an inspiratory arrest on deep palpation in this region. The remainder of the examination is within normal limits. Laboratory tests are significant for the following: RBC count 4.1 million/mm3 Hb 13.4 mg/dL Leukocyte count 11,200/mm3 ESR 22 mm/hr Platelet count 230,000/mm3 Total bilirubin 2 mg/dL Direct bilirubin 1.1 mg/dL ALT 20 IU/L AST 18 IU/L Amylase 33 IU/L Ultrasound of the abdomen shows the following result (see image): The common bile duct (CBD) (not shown in the image) is not dilated. Which of the following procedures is most appropriate for the treatment of this patient?

AShock wave lithotripsy

BLaparoscopic cholecystectomy

CEndoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

DPercutaneous cholecystostomy

2

A 72-year-old female presents to the emergency department complaining of severe abdominal pain and several days of bloody diarrhea. Her symptoms began with intermittent bloody diarrhea five days ago and have worsened steadily. For the last 24 hours, she has complained of fevers, chills, and abdominal pain. She has a history of ulcerative colitis, idiopathic hypertension, and hypothyroidism. Her medications include hydrochlorothiazide, levothyroxine, and sulfasalazine. In the ED, her temperature is 39.1°C (102.4°F), pulse is 120/min, blood pressure is 90/60 mmHg, and respirations are 20/min. On exam, the patient is alert and oriented to person and place, but does not know the day. Her mucus membranes are dry. Heart and lung exam are not revealing. Her abdomen is distended with marked rebound tenderness. Bowel sounds are hyperactive. Serum: Na+: 142 mEq/L Cl-: 107 mEq/L K+: 3.3 mEq/L HCO3-: 20 mEq/L BUN: 15 mg/dL Glucose: 92 mg/dL Creatinine: 1.2 mg/dL Calcium: 10.1 mg/dL Hemoglobin: 11.2 g/dL Hematocrit: 30% Leukocyte count: 14,600/mm^3 with normal differential Platelet count: 405,000/mm^3 What is the next best step in management?

AEmergent colonoscopy

BContrast enema

CColectomy

DPlain abdominal radiograph

EAbdominal CT with IV contrast

3

A 41-year-old woman is brought to the emergency department with the acute-onset of severe abdominal pain for the past 2 hours. She has a history of frequent episodes of vague abdominal pain, but they have never been this severe. Every time she has had pain, it would resolve after eating a meal. Her past medical history is otherwise insignificant. Her vital signs include: blood pressure 121/77 mm Hg, pulse 91/min, respiratory rate 21/min, and temperature 37°C (98.6°F). On examination, her abdomen is flat and rigid. Which of the following is the next best step in evaluating this patient’s discomfort and stomach pain by physical exam?

AAuscultate the abdomen

BElicit shifting dullness of the abdomen

CPerform light palpation at the point of maximal pain

DAttempt to perform a deep, slow palpation with quick release

EPercuss the point of maximal pain

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