The primary care pediatric nurse practitioner is evaluating recurrent stomach pain in a school-age child. The child's exam is normal. The nurse practitioner learns that the child reports pain most evenings after school and refuses to participate in sports but does not have nausea or vomiting. The child's grandmother recently had gallbladder surgery. Which action is correct?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The child's symptoms suggest a possible functional gastrointestinal disorder, and keeping a log of pain, stool patterns, and dietary intake can help identify triggers and patterns. Ordering radiologic studies and laboratory tests without any specific indications is not recommended and may add unnecessary costs and radiation exposure. Reassuring the child and encouraging resuming sports when symptoms subside without addressing the underlying issue may lead to dismissal of the child's concerns and potentially exacerbate the problem. Referring the child to a counselor without ruling out physical causes is premature and may imply that the child's symptoms are purely psychological.

The Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Is Evaluating Recurrent Stomach