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Acute appendicitis — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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EasySurgery (post-operative, follow-up)Acute appendicitisUSMLE Step 3

A 24-year-old man has 18 hours of periumbilical pain that migrated to the right lower quadrant, nausea, and anorexia. Temperature is 38.1 C and leukocyte count is 14,800/mm3. Rebound tenderness is present. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: C — Acute appendicitis

Migratory pain to the right lower quadrant with peritoneal signs and leukocytosis is classic for acute appendicitis.

Reference: American College of Surgeons appendicitis care principles