A 19-day-old male infant is brought to the pediatric emergency department due to a sudden onset of dark green vomiting over the past 6 hours. He was born at 39 weeks of gestation with a birth weight of 3.4 kg (7 lb 8 oz). Apgar scores were 8 and 9 at 1 and 5 minutes, respectively. The infant had an uncomplicated neonatal course and has been exclusively breastfed. Upon arrival, he appears lethargic and pale. Vital signs are temperature 36.0°C (96.8°F), heart rate 190/min, respiratory rate 62/min, and blood pressure 58/34 mm Hg. Capillary refill time is 5 seconds. Physical examination reveals scattered 1- to 2-mm yellow pustules on an erythematous base over the trunk. Abdominal examination reveals severe distension, marked tenderness with involuntary guarding, and absent bowel sounds. Digital rectal examination demonstrates a small amount of frankly bloody stool. A plain radiograph of the abdomen shows a distended stomach and proximal duodenum with an absolute paucity of gas in the distal bowel. Intravenous access is established, and a bolus of isotonic normal saline is being administered. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?
- Immediate exploratory laparotomyCevap
- BUpper gastrointestinal contrast series under fluoroscopy
- CAbdominal computed tomography scan with intravenous contrast
- DIntravenous acyclovir and broad-spectrum antibiotics
- EArterial blood gas analysis to calculate metabolic acid-base compensation