🔍 Key Concepts

• Appendicitis is a surgical emergency that can rapidly worsen if the appendix ruptures • Onboard treatment limits: think about what you can and cannot safely manage on a vessel • Pain medicines and laxatives can change symptoms and delay or complicate needed surgery

💭 Think About

• Which option best ensures the patient can receive definitive diagnosis and possible surgery? • How might strong pain medicine or laxatives affect the doctor’s ability to recognize worsening symptoms? • In maritime medicine, when a serious surgical condition is suspected, what is usually the safest overall strategy?

✅ Before You Answer

• Make sure you are not choosing an option that masks symptoms and delays treatment • Avoid options that could increase pressure or activity in the intestines • Ask: which choice gets the patient to someone who can perform surgery or imaging if needed?