Acute assessment of abdominal pain

A medical consult is recommended where there is no specific protocol for a condition

Always consider Sepsis — signs and symptoms can include

High or low temperature
Fast breathing
Fast pulse
Low BP or dizziness
Confusion and/or agitation

Check

Calculate age-appropriate REWS

Adult — AVPU, RR, O₂ sats, pulse, BP, Temp
Child (less than 13 years) — AVPU, respiratory distress, RR, O₂ sats, pulse, central capillary refill time, Temp

Weight, BGL

If REWS score 3 or more — medical consult straight away
If available POC Test — WBC, electrolytes
U/A, pregnancy test
History and head-to-toe exam — abdominal pain assessment

Do

If severe pain and systolic BP greater than 100 — give pain relief prior to abdominal palpation

Table 1.14 Possible causes of abdominal pain