An 18-year-old girl presents with a 3-day history of worsening abdominal pain and vomiting - Pediatric Board Question

Hey there future pediatricians! We know that studying for the board exams can be tough, but don't let it make you sick! Our clinical vignette book has got you covered. Take this example: an 18-year-old girl with abdominal pain and vomiting. What could it be? Our book provides the correct answers and explanations so you can diagnose with confidence. Don't let board questions give you a headache...or a stomachache!

An 18-year-old girl presents with a 3-day history of worsening abdominal pain and vomiting. She is afebrile and has had no diarrhea. She has had intermittent abdominal pain over the past 6 months diagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome. The pain is dull at the moment but can be sharp, and she sometimes experiences back pain as well. She is not sexually active and is not taking birth control pills. Denies drinking alcohol and illicit drug use. Past history is significant for a diagnosis of bipolar depression at age 15 for which she is being treated with valproic acid as a mood stabilizer.