A 76-year-old patient presents to the emergency department with severe left lower quadrant abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever. On physical examination, you note the patient has a positive heel strike and left lower abdominal rebound tenderness. These are typical signs and symptoms of which of the following conditions?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Diverticulitis typically presents with severe left lower quadrant abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, which matches the symptoms described in the patient. The presence of rebound tenderness and a positive heel strike test (indicative of peritoneal irritation) further supports this diagnosis.

A 76-Year-Old Patient Presents to the Emergency Department with Severe