The priority questions and assessments performed for Esther’s abdominal pain were based on her chief complaint. Once she was certain of the location of the pain, her assessment began with investigating the nature of the pain and its severity. Next was to identify the history of the pain and whether it increases in severity. The follow-up questions were structured in a manner that would zero-in the list of potential diagnoses (Bhuiya, 2010). The follow-up helped in understanding what was consistent/normal for Esther to provide hints about a possible illness.
The difference between the approach to the abdominal assessment between Esther and Tina is that Tina (a low-risk patient) required pain location to guide the first differential diagnosis. Her evaluation focused on obvious conditions that would result in abdominal pain. Esther’s chief complaint was established beforehand. Thus, the evaluation used a stepwise approach to gain. The approach is necessary because some regions of the abdomen deserved special attention to obtain the clearest evidence.
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Based on Esther’s assessment, several abnormal findings were identified. The first entails her constant crampy feeling featured with the discomfort that lasted for five days. Her pain increases when she eats or moves, although she mentioned that resting soothed the pain. Secondly, she indicated that her pain was not localized but manifested in intermittent with aggravating factors. These could be attributed to her gallbladder removal and C-section surgeries. Depending on the cause, Esther’s physician could arrange follow-visits, and the problem is resolved. The strategies used during the treatment process will depend on her needs, trust, and understanding between her and the physician. Further, she would be encouraged to participate in social activities, which would help in developing self-reliance and dependence. Social activities are important since patients who withdraw from everyday activities are susceptible to control by their symptoms instead of controlling the symptoms.
References
Ahmed, T., & Haboubi, N. (2010). Assessment and management of nutrition in older people and its importance to health. Clinical interventions in aging , 5 , 207.
Bhuiya, F. A. (2010). Emergency department visits for chest pain and abdominal pain: United States, 1999-2008 (No. 43). US Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics.
