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Acute appendicitis — ABEM Board MCQ

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ModerateGI/Abdominal emergenciesAcute appendicitisABEM Board

A 27-year-old man presents as triage level 3 with 14 hours of periumbilical pain migrating to the right lower quadrant. He has focal rebound tenderness, WBC 15,000/microL, and BMI 31; pregnancy is not relevant. Which of the following is the most appropriate imaging study?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — CT abdomen and pelvis with IV contrast

In a nonpregnant adult with suspected appendicitis, CT abdomen and pelvis is highly accurate and commonly used to confirm diagnosis and assess complications.

Reference: ACEP Clinical Policy: Appendicitis; ABEM EM Model