Problem: As you know, abdominal pain can be a challenging patient complaint because it is frequently benign, but it can also herald serious acute pathology. The history and physical examination are critical to narrowing the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain and guiding the evaluation. Acute abdominal pain frequently requires urgent investigation as management. Many patients will require analgesics, which can be administered judiciously without compromising the physical assessment of peritoneal signs.
1. That said, what are the common differential diagnoses of abdominal pain in emergency situations.
2. Also, does your healthcare institution have a specific policy, algorithm and/or protocol on how to assess, manage and treat abdominal pain?
3. Please share an example of the protocol for abdominal pain from practice or the literature.