Health Care Utilization by Age Group Related

Review Health Care Utilization by Age Group related questions and content

A 10-year-old boy presents with a history of central abdominal pain of a few hours' duration. On examination he has minimal tenderness in the right iliac fossa and no abnormal findings on rectal examination. Which of the following alternatives should be carried out?

  • A. Arrange a barium meal follow through.
  • B. Arrange to see the patient later on in the day for review.
  • C. Send the patient away with instructions to return if the pain becomes worse.
  • D. Tell the patient to come back in a week.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Early appendicitis can present subtly. Minimal right iliac fossa tenderness warrants observation, so reviewing later (B) is appropriate. Imaging (A), dismissal (C, D), or immediate surgery (E) without further assessment are not justified yet.