Patient case: Femoral Hernia
A 62-year-old female presents to the emergency department with a painful lump in her right groin that has progressively increased in size over the past week. She reports experiencing sharp pain in the area, particularly when standing or walking. Additionally, she has had episodes of nausea and difficulty passing gas.
On physical examination, a firm, non-reducible mass is palpated in the right femoral canal, and there is associated tenderness. The overlying skin is normal in appearance, and bowel sounds are present, suggesting the hernia is not strangulated at this time. The patient has a medical history significant for obesity and hypertension but is otherwise healthy.
A Doppler ultrasound is performed, confirming the diagnosis of a right femoral hernia with no signs of incarceration or strangulation. Given the patient's symptoms and the nature of the hernia, surgical intervention is recommended. The patient is scheduled for an urgent repair of the femoral hernia, and preoperative counseling regarding the procedure and potential risks is provided.
a). Abdominal pain and fever
b). Painful lump in the right groin, nausea, and difficulty passing gas
c). Jaundice and dark urine
d). Chest pain and shortness of breath
a). Palpable mass in the epigastric region
b). Firm, non-reducible mass in the right femoral canal
c). Tenderness in the left flank
d). Hyperactive bowel sounds
a). Abdominal X-ray
b). MRI of the abdomen
c). Doppler ultrasound
d). CT scan of the pelvis
a). Observation and lifestyle changes
b). Urgent surgical repair of the femoral hernia
c). Administration of analgesics only
d). Palliative care only
