UWorld Surgery Practice Test 2026 - Free Surgery Exam Questions and Comprehensive Study Guide

An abscess in the abdomen typically leads to an inflammatory response in the body, which commonly results in fever and localized abdominal pain. The presence of infection or necrotic tissue within the abscess often stimulates the immune system, triggering the release of pyrogens—substances that induce fever. This is a classic sign of an infection and indicates that the body is responding to the underlying process.

Abdominal pain associated with an abscess can vary in intensity, often becoming more pronounced with movement or palpation of the affected area. As the abscess grows, it can also lead to signs of peritonitis, such as guarding or rigidity of the abdominal wall due to inflammation of the peritoneum.

Other choices do not correlate with the typical clinical manifestations of an abdominal abscess. A dry cough might be seen in pulmonary conditions rather than a localized abdominal issue. Weight gain is not commonly associated with an abscess, which usually involves pain, fever, and potentially weight loss due to decreased appetite. A skin rash is not a direct indicator of an abdominal abscess; instead, it suggests other dermatological or systemic conditions. Therefore, the combination of fever and abdominal pain is the most expected clinical sign of an abscess in the abdomen.