A 55-year-old female presents with fever, right upper quadrant pain, and jaundice (Charcot's triad). BP is 80/50 mmHg and she is confused (Reynolds' pentad). What is the definitive emergency intervention?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Emergency biliary decompression via urgent ERCP
- Step 1: The patient presents with acute ascending cholangitis with septic shock (Reynolds' pentad).
- Step 2: Biliary obstruction with purulent infection is an absolute medical emergency requiring immediate decompression.
- Step 3: Emergency ERCP with sphincterotomy and stent placement provides definitive biliary drainage and controls sepsis.
Answer
Emergency biliary decompression via urgent ERCP.
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