Mild Diffuse Tenderness in Surgery — 50yo Woman | General Surgery | SMLE Q#11658
SMLE Question #11658
Surgery
General Surgery
Objective: OBJ-TRACH-EMERG-01
Last updated: February 2026
A 50-year-old woman is 6 days after exploratory laparotomy. She has persistent nausea and vomiting, progressive abdominal distension, diffuse myalgias, and no stool or flatus for 3 days. Examination shows a distended, tympanitic abdomen with mild diffuse tenderness and decreased bowel sounds. Intravenous potassium replacement is being planned for suspected hypokalemia-associated postoperative ileus. What is the most appropriate next step in management?
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