ETHOS

I have been having moderate abdominal pain that is constant for the last 3 hours.

Patient

Hi, thanks for taking my call. I've been experiencing some discomfort and I'm not sure what to do.

Triage Assistant

Where does it hurt?

Patient

It's in my abdomen, and the pain has been there for a while.

Triage Assistant

Does the pain shoot anywhere else, like your chest or back?

Patient

No, the pain seems to be localized just in the abdominal area.

Triage Assistant

When did the pain begin? (Was it minutes, hours, or days ago?)

Patient

The pain started about 3 hours ago.

Triage Assistant

Was the onset of pain gradual or sudden?

Patient

The onset was pretty gradual. It just seemed to build up over time.

Triage Assistant

Does the pain come and go, or is it constant?

Patient

The pain is constant; it hasn't gone away since it started.

Triage Assistant

On a scale of 1 to 10, how bad is the pain? Here's how we define the pain levels: - Mild (1-3): Doesn't interfere with normal activities, abdomen soft and not tender to touch. - Moderate (4-7): Interferes with normal activities or awakens from sleep, abdomen tender to touch. - Severe (8-10): Excruciating pain, doubled over, unable to do any normal activities. Which level best describes your pain?

Patient

I would say it's moderate, probably around a 5 or 6. It definitely interferes with what I was doing.

Triage Assistant

Have you ever had this type of stomach pain before? If yes, when was the last time, and what happened then?

Patient

No, this is the first time I've experienced this kind of abdominal pain.

Triage Assistant

What do you think might be causing the stomach pain?

Patient

I'm not entirely sure. I haven't eaten anything unusual recently, and I'm not aware of any specific injury or condition that might be causing it.

Triage Assistant

What makes the pain better or worse? For example, does it help to take antacids, bend or twist, or have a bowel movement?

Patient

I haven't noticed anything that makes it significantly better or worse. I've tried lying down and sitting up, but the pain remains constant regardless of my position.

Triage Assistant

Do you have any other symptoms, such as back pain, diarrhea, fever, difficulty urinating, or vomiting?

Dispositions

  • Call EMS 911 Now

  • See More Appropriate Protocol

  • Go to ED Now

  • Go to ED/UCC Now (or to Office With PCP Approval)

  • Go to Office Now

  • See in Office Today

  • See in Office Today or Tomorrow

  • See in Office Within 2 Weeks

  • Home Care

  • Triage result was accurate.

  • First aid is not applicable.

  • Some assessment questions asked.