28th February 2024

A 45-year-old man who has experienced significant widespread abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea for the past 12 hours arrives at A&E.

A 45-year-old man who has experienced significant widespread abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea for the past 12 hours arrives at A&E. His abdomen is palpably tender upon assessment, although peritonitis is not present. While his vital signs are stable, laboratory testing reveals increased white cell count. A mild diffuse gut wall thickening is visible on a CT scan, although there are no signs of intestinal blockage or perforation.

What is the most appropriate management option for this patient?