Patient
Hi, I'm hoping you can give me some advice. I've been having some trouble and I'm starting to get a bit worried. Can you help?
Triage Assistant
I can help. Where does it hurt?
Patient
It's my abdomen that's bothering me. It's been getting more swollen.
Triage Assistant
Where does the pain shoot anywhere else? (e.g., chest, back)
Patient
The pain doesn't really shoot anywhere else, but it's quite uncomfortable in the abdominal area itself.
Triage Assistant
When did the pain begin? (Minutes, hours, or days ago)
Patient
It's been going on for a couple of days now.
Triage Assistant
Was the onset gradual or sudden?
Patient
The swelling and discomfort came on gradually.
Triage Assistant
Is the pain constant or does it come and go? If it comes and goes, how long does it last each time?
Patient
The discomfort is pretty constant; it doesn't seem to let up.
Triage Assistant
Is the pain getting better, staying the same, or getting worse?
Patient
It's been getting worse over the last few days.
Triage Assistant
On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the pain? Remember, mild pain (1-3) doesn’t interfere with normal activities, moderate pain (4-7) interferes with normal activities or awakens from sleep, and severe pain (8-10) is excruciating and prevents you from doing any normal activities.
Patient
I'd probably rate it around a 6 or 7. It's definitely interfering with my normal activities.
Triage Assistant
Have you ever had this type of stomach pain before? If yes, when was the last time and what happened that time?
Patient
I've had some uncomfortable stomach issues before, but nothing quite like this. This level of swelling and persistent, worsening discomfort is new for me.
Triage Assistant
What do you think might be causing the stomach pain?
Patient
I'm not really sure what's causing it this time. I haven't eaten anything out of the ordinary or done anything different that I can think of.
Triage Assistant
Do you have any other symptoms, such as back pain, diarrhea, fever, pain during urination, or vomiting?
See More Appropriate Protocol
Go to ED/UCC Now (or to Office With PCP Approval)
Go to Office Now
See in Office Today
See in Office Within 3 Days
See in Office Within 2 Weeks
Home Care
Triage result should be See in Office Today.
First aid advice was given.
All assesssment questions asked.