🏥 USMLE Exam Prep

A 16-year-old male presents to the emergency department with sudden onset, severe left testicular pain, nausea, and vomiting. On examination, the left testicle is exquisitely tender, high-riding, and has an absent cremasteric reflex. What is the most critical immediate diagnostic and management step?

A Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics for epididymitis
B Obtain an emergent testicular ultrasound with Doppler flow studies
C Prescribe opioid analgesics and observe for symptom improvement
D Schedule a urology consultation for the following day

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

Testicular torsion is a surgical emergency requiring immediate diagnosis and intervention to preserve testicular viability. Emergent Doppler ultrasound confirms the diagnosis, guiding urgent surgical exploration. Delay can lead to irreversible ischemic injury and organ loss.

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