Your patient is a 22-year-old college student complaining of abdominal pain.She is alert and oriented,although somewhat uncomfortable.Which of the following should be your first action?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Asking the patient to describe the pain and finding out if she has other complaints is important to gather initial information about the patient's symptoms and potential causes. This can help guide further assessment and treatment. Palpation of the abdomen can exacerbate any underlying conditions causing pain, so it is important to gather more information before performing a physical examination. Asking the patient's roommate about their medical history can provide additional information, but it should not be the first action taken in this situation. A rapid head-to-toe exam may be necessary at some point, but it is not the first action to be taken.

Your Patient Is a 22-Year-Old College Student Complaining of Abdominal