A nulligravid 24-year-old female is evaluated in the emergency department for a 3-day history of progressively worsening lower pelvic pain, severe nausea, and subjective fevers. She reports having a new sexual partner over the past 2 months and admits to inconsistent barrier protection. Her temperature is 38.9°C (102.0°F), blood pressure is 100/60 mm Hg, and pulse is 112/min. Physical examination demonstrates marked bilateral lower quadrant tenderness with involuntary guarding. Speculum examination reveals a purulent endocervical exudate. Bimanual examination elicits severe cervical motion tenderness and reveals a palpable, exquisitely tender 6-cm right adnexal fullness.
Arrange the following steps in the most appropriate chronological sequence for the evaluation and management of this patient.
- 1Obtain a urine or serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level
- 2Perform a pelvic ultrasound to characterize the adnexal mass
- 3Admit for inpatient management and administer intravenous cefoxitin and doxycycline
- 4Monitor clinical response; if no improvement in 48-72 hours, arrange for percutaneous drainage
- 5Transition to oral antibiotics to complete a total 14-day treatment course