48. A patient presents with acute onset of severe, colicky abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and inability to pass gas or stool. Abdominal X-ray shows dilated loops of bowel with air-fluid levels. What is the critical urgency in identifying the likely pathophysiology?
A.
Gastroenteritis.
B.
Appendicitis.
C.
Bowel obstruction, requiring urgent surgical assessment.
