Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

What is a likely diagnosis for a 22-year-old female with severe LRQ pain, no appetite, and constipation?

1. Ovarian cyst

2. Appendicitis

3. Irritable bowel syndrome

4. Cholecystitis

The correct answer is: Appendicitis

In this scenario, the symptoms of severe lower right quadrant (LRQ) pain, lack of appetite, and constipation strongly suggest appendicitis as the likely diagnosis. Appendicitis typically presents with localized pain in the LRQ, as the appendix is located in that region of the abdomen. Additionally, the combination of abdominal pain, decreased appetite, and gastrointestinal changes such as constipation aligns well with the clinical picture of appendicitis. The pain often starts around the navel and then moves to the LRQ. This migration of pain is a characteristic feature that healthcare providers look for when assessing for appendicitis. Furthermore, associated symptoms might include nausea, vomiting, and fever as the condition progresses, though the patient may initially only report LRQ pain and loss of appetite. Other conditions listed might present with pain in the abdominal area, but they do not typically manifest with the same constellation of symptoms. For example, an ovarian cyst could cause lower abdominal pain, but it usually would not present with severe LRQ pain and would likely have additional symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles or pelvic pressure. Irritable bowel syndrome might present with pain and changes in bowel habits but does not typically cause severe localized pain in the LRQ or a sudden loss of appetite indicating an