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history of abdominal surgery, swinging fever, leukocytosis, and cough and shoulder tip pain suggest a diagnosis of ___

User Indichimp
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Final answer:

A history of abdominal surgery, swinging fever, leukocytosis, cough, and shoulder tip pain can be indicative of a subphrenic abscess, particularly if the patient recently underwent a surgical procedure. This condition would be supported by the presence of leukocytosis and would necessitate a prompt medical evaluation including imaging studies.

Step-by-step explanation:

The history of abdominal surgery, swinging fever, leukocytosis, cough, and shoulder tip pain can suggest the diagnosis of subphrenic abscess or another intra-abdominal infection, particularly following a surgical procedure. This condition occurs when pus accumulates beneath the diaphragm, and it can be associated with a variety of symptoms including fever, abdominal pain, and shoulder tip pain; the latter is due to irritation of the diaphragm and referred pain, often known as Kehr's sign. The presence of leukocytosis further supports the suspicion of an infection. These symptoms require a prompt medical evaluation, which may include imaging studies such as an ultrasound or CT scan to confirm the presence of an abscess and to guide further treatment.

User Jeffmayeur
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