Mild Nausea in Surgery — 28yo Man | Trauma Surgery | SMLE Q#11013
SMLE Question #11013
Surgery
Trauma Surgery
Objective: OBJ-TRM-AIRWAY-01
Last updated: February 2026
A 28-year-old man is hospitalized 7 days after emergency laparotomy for a left upper quadrant gunshot wound requiring splenectomy, distal pancreatectomy, and partial colectomy. Over 12 hours, he develops progressive abdominal distention and diffuse dull discomfort with mild nausea. He is passing flatus and had a small bowel movement this morning. Examination shows mild distention, mild left upper quadrant tenderness, and decreased bowel sounds without rigidity. What is the most appropriate next step in management?
Continue in practice mode
Sign in and start a focused practice session to view options, submit your answer, and read the full explanation.