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Septic abortion — ABEM Board MCQ

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HardOB/GYN emergenciesSeptic abortionABEM Board

A 23-year-old woman presents as triage level 2 with fever, pelvic pain, and foul discharge three days after an unsafe induced abortion. BP is 90/54 mm Hg, HR 128/min, WBC 24,000/microL, and lactate is 4.1 mmol/L. Which of the following is the most appropriate imaging study?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: B — Pelvic ultrasound to assess retained products while beginning sepsis treatment

Septic abortion requires immediate broad-spectrum antibiotics, resuscitation, OB/GYN involvement, and evaluation for retained products.

Reference: ACOG early pregnancy loss/septic abortion guidance; Surviving Sepsis Campaign