Advanced Medical Life Support Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Guide

The patient’s symptoms of diffuse abdominal cramping and vomiting lasting for three days strongly suggest gastroenteritis. This condition is characterized by inflammation of the stomach and intestines, commonly presenting with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping. The diffuse nature of the abdominal cramps aligns well with gastroenteritis, as opposed to localized pain seen in conditions like appendicitis or cholecystitis.

In gastroenteritis, the symptoms typically arise due to viral or bacterial infections, often resulting in a combination of gastrointestinal upset and systemic illness, which explains the vomiting and cramping. The duration of the symptoms, particularly exceeding 24 hours, also supports this diagnosis, as gastroenteritis can persist for several days depending on the causative agent.

The other conditions, though they may involve abdominal pain and discomfort, usually present with more localized symptoms or specific patterns of pain. For example, appendicitis typically presents with localized pain in the right lower quadrant, while cholecystitis is associated with pain in the right upper quadrant, often following meals. Diverticulitis usually presents with left lower quadrant pain and can lead to complications but does not typically cause diffuse cramping and prolonged vomiting as seen in this patient. Thus,