02-14-2012, 03:19 AM
A 28-year-old man is brought to the emergency department by police because of severe pain in
the right lower quadrant of the abdomen for 36 hours. He has been incarcerated in the county jail,
and his court hearing is scheduled in 12 hours. He takes no medications. Abdominal examination
shows no rebound. Complete blood count, liver tests, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate are within
normal limits. An x-ray film of the abdomen shows a normal gas pattern. Test of the stool for occult
blood is negative. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A ) Adjustment disorder
B ) Conversion disorder
C ) Depressive disorder not otherwise specified
D ) Factitious disorder
E ) Hypochondriasis
F ) Malingering
G ) Somatization disorder
the right lower quadrant of the abdomen for 36 hours. He has been incarcerated in the county jail,
and his court hearing is scheduled in 12 hours. He takes no medications. Abdominal examination
shows no rebound. Complete blood count, liver tests, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate are within
normal limits. An x-ray film of the abdomen shows a normal gas pattern. Test of the stool for occult
blood is negative. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A ) Adjustment disorder
B ) Conversion disorder
C ) Depressive disorder not otherwise specified
D ) Factitious disorder
E ) Hypochondriasis
F ) Malingering
G ) Somatization disorder