A 15-year-old female athlete has abdominal pain with fever and tenderness near the ASIS and umbilicus. The MOST appropriate action is to

A 15-year-old female athlete has abdominal pain with fever and tenderness near the ASIS and umbilicus. The MOST appropriate action is to

• A. Administer an anti-inflammatory
• B. Administer an antacid
• C. Contact the athlete's parents
• D. Refer athlete to emergency department

Answer: (D)

Pain that starts around the umbilicus and then localizes to the right lower quadrant, especially with fever, is a red flag for an acute abdominal process such as appendicitis. In adolescents, this pattern suggests inflammation that can progress quickly. Because appendicitis is a surgical emergency, the safest and most appropriate step is to obtain urgent medical evaluation in an emergency department where imaging and surgical consultation can be obtained promptly. Delaying care or attempting home remedies can lead to perforation or peritonitis, making timely assessment crucial. Administering anti-inflammatories or antacids wouldn’t address the underlying problem and could mask symptoms, while waiting for a routine discussion with guardians could delay life-saving evaluation.

Pain that starts around the umbilicus and then localizes to the right lower quadrant, especially with fever, is a red flag for an acute abdominal process such as appendicitis. In adolescents, this pattern suggests inflammation that can progress quickly. Because appendicitis is a surgical emergency, the safest and most appropriate step is to obtain urgent medical evaluation in an emergency department where imaging and surgical consultation can be obtained promptly. Delaying care or attempting home remedies can lead to perforation or peritonitis, making timely assessment crucial.

Administering anti-inflammatories or antacids wouldn’t address the underlying problem and could mask symptoms, while waiting for a routine discussion with guardians could delay life-saving evaluation.