Free BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Question

The correct answer is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which often presents with lower abdominal pain and a malodorous vaginal discharge, particularly in sexually active women who do not consistently use barrier protection. PID is an infection of the female reproductive organs and can lead to serious complications like infertility or ectopic pregnancy if untreated. Bacterial vaginosis primarily presents with a malodorous discharge but typically lacks the severe abdominal pain associated with PID. Urinary tract infection and appendicitis are less consistent with the described discharge and lack of urinary or systemic symptoms respectively.