🔍 Key Concepts

• Acute appendicitis and why it is considered a surgical emergency • Risks of masking symptoms with pain medications or other treatments before diagnosis • Basic principles of pre-hospital care for a patient with suspected surgical abdomen on board a vessel

💭 Think About

• Which options might interfere with a doctor’s ability to assess the patient’s abdominal pain accurately? • What treatments could increase the risk of appendix rupture or complications if the person really has appendicitis? • In a remote maritime setting, what is usually the safest role of the crew: to treat aggressively, or to stabilize and protect the patient until higher medical care is reached?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify which choices involve giving medications that could hide important symptoms of appendicitis. • Consider whether any option might increase intestinal activity or pressure, which can be dangerous in suspected appendicitis. • Confirm which option best matches standard guidance: protect, monitor, and prepare for evacuation rather than performing advanced treatment.