Question

A patient presents with flank pain on palpation, no blood in urine, negative urine analysis, normal hematocrit, and hemodynamically stable. What is the next best step?

1) Order a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis
2) Perform a renal ultrasound
3) Start empiric antibiotics
4) Observe and reassess in 24 hours

Answer 1

The next best step for a patient presenting with flank pain on palpation, no blood in urine, negative urine analysis, normal hematocrit, and hemodynamically stable would be to perform a renal ultrasound.

Step-by-step explanation:

The next best step for a patient presenting with flank pain on palpation, no blood in urine, negative urine analysis, normal hematocrit, and hemodynamically stable would be to perform a renal ultrasound. Flank pain can be a symptom of various conditions, including urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or pyelonephritis. A renal ultrasound can help visualize the kidneys, identify any abnormalities or obstructions, and guide further management. Observing and reassessing in 24 hours may be considered if the symptoms are mild and there is no evidence of a more urgent condition, but given the nature of flank pain, imaging to identify potential causes is usually a prudent first step.