A 24-year-old nulligravid woman presents to the emergency department reporting three days of sharp, right-sided abdominal pain that intensifies when she takes a deep breath. She also describes a mild, dull, bilateral lower pelvic ache for the past week and new-onset vaginal spotting between her menses. Her temperature is 38.4°C (101.1°F), blood pressure is 118/76 mm Hg, and pulse is 98/min. Physical examination reveals tenderness to deep palpation in the right upper quadrant, but no rebound tenderness or guarding. Bowel sounds are normoactive. Laboratory studies show a leukocyte count of 14,000/mm³. Serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase levels are within normal limits. Right upper quadrant ultrasonography reveals a normal-appearing gallbladder without gallstones, normal biliary ducts, and a trace amount of perihepatic free fluid. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in the evaluation of this patient?
- AInitiate empiric intravenous piperacillin-tazobactam and admit for observation
- BObtain an upright abdominal radiograph and request a surgical consultation
- Perform a bimanual pelvic and speculum examinationCevap
- DPerform an outpatient endometrial biopsy to evaluate the irregular vaginal spotting
- EMeasure serum testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels