added nbme12 b/c Q directly answered by this card, see below:
(For context, the question shows a very similar x-ray image to the one on this card)
A 42-year-old woman comes to the physician because of nausea and vomiting and abdominal cramping and swelling over the past12 hours. She takes an oral contraceptive. She underwent an appendectomy5 years ago. Abdominal examination shows distention and moderate tenderness without guarding. An x-ray of the abdomen is shown. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
Ans: Mechanical obstruction of the small intestine
Obstruction of the small bowel occurs from partial or complete blockage of the small
bowel lumen, and typically presents with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Abdominal x-rays typically
show dilated small bowel loops.