A 46 year old man presents to his physician complaining of abdominal pain and increased abdominal size. He has a history of liver cirrhosis and ascites. The patient also complains of progressive shortness of breath. There is no fever, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. His vital signs show temp. 99.7 F, pulse 106/min., blood pressure 110/78 mmHg. Abdominal examination shows diffuse tenderness on palpation and dull resonance on percussion. There is no rebound or guarding. What is the management of this patient’s condition? A- No treatment neccessary and re-check after 2 weeks B- Abdominal paracentesis and empiric antibiotics and culture to specify antibiotics C- Abdominal paraentesis and use antibiotics only if culture shows gram positive micro-organisms D- Abdominal paracentesis and use antibiotics only if the patient develops high fever http://medical-usmle.com/?p=763
