Browse categories and answer follow-up questions to refine your symptom profile.
Immediate priorities
Initial stabilization
Airway compromise
If inability to protect airway, rapid sequence intubation pathway
Breathing failure
If hypoxia or increased work of breathing, oxygenation and ventilatory support
Circulatory instability
If hypotension or altered perfusion, immediate IV access and fluid resuscitation
Sepsis physiology
If suspected sepsis, antibiotics within 1 hour after cultures when feasible
Analgesia early
Pain control does not reduce diagnostic accuracy
Resuscitation targets
Physiologic targets
Mean arterial pressure 65 mmHg
If septic shock, vasopressor support after fluids
Urine output 0.5 ml/kg/hour
Foley catheter if severe illness or shock
Lactate trend
If lactate elevated, reassess perfusion and source control urgency
Early consultations
Team activation
General surgery early
If peritonitis, hemodynamic instability, or imaging-confirmed appendicitis
Obstetrics early
If pregnancy with suspected appendicitis
Pediatrics early
If child with suspected perforation or toxicity
Key decision points
Immediate OR pathway triggers
Generalized peritonitis
Perforation concern with diffuse tenderness and guarding
Hemodynamic instability
Shock physiology despite resuscitation
Free intraperitoneal air on imaging
Surgical emergency pathway
Non-operative pathway considerations
Uncomplicated appendicitis
Imaging without perforation, abscess, phlegmon, or diffuse peritonitis
SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.