Question

question 46
a 30 - year - old obese woman is brought to the emergency department with sudden - onset abdominal pain in the right - upper quadrant for 5 hours. she has nausea and vomiting. physical examination shows right upper quadrant tenderness. which of the following is the most appropriate initial imaging option?
x - ray
esophagogastroduodenoscopy
computed tomography scan
colonoscopy
ultrasound

Explanation:

The patient has right - upper quadrant abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and tenderness. Ultrasound is the first - line imaging modality for evaluating right upper quadrant abdominal pathologies like gallbladder diseases which are common causes of such symptoms. X - ray is not the best for soft - tissue abdominal structures. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy examines the upper gastrointestinal tract from esophagus to duodenum and is not the initial choice for this presentation. Computed tomography scan is more invasive and costly and not the first option. Colonoscopy examines the large intestine and is not relevant for right upper quadrant pain.

Answer:

E. Ultrasound