ETHOS

I'm experiencing abdominal cramping but no bowel movement for 4 days.

Patient

Hi, I'm having some health issues and I'm not sure what to do. Could you help me figure out what's going on?

Triage Assistant

Of course, I'd be happy to help. Where does it hurt?

Patient

I'm having some abdominal pain that just doesn't seem to go away.

Triage Assistant

Got it. Let's start by getting some more details about your abdominal pain. Where exactly does it hurt? Can you describe the location?

Patient

The pain is mostly in the lower part of my abdomen.

Triage Assistant

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

Patient

No, it's pretty localized to my lower abdomen. It doesn't really shoot anywhere else.

Triage Assistant

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

Patient

It's been going on for a few days now, actually.

Triage Assistant

Was the onset of the pain gradual or sudden?

Patient

It started gradually. It's just been getting worse over the last few days.

Triage Assistant

Is the pain constant, or does it come and go?

Patient

The pain is more or less constant. There are times when it feels a bit better, but it never really goes away.

Triage Assistant

How would you rate the severity of the pain on a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 is mild pain that doesn't interfere with normal activities and 10 is severe pain that makes you unable to do any normal activities?

Patient

I'd say it's around a 6 or 7. It's pretty uncomfortable and definitely interfering with my daily activities.

Triage Assistant

Thanks for that information. Have you ever had this type of abdominal pain before? If so, when was the last time, and what happened then?

Patient

I've had abdominal pain before, but not quite like this. This feels different and it's lasted longer than any other time I can remember.

Triage Assistant

What do you think might be causing the abdominal pain? Have you noticed any patterns or triggers?

Patient

I haven't noticed any specific patterns or triggers. I can't think of anything that might have caused this. It's just this constant pain that's been there for a few days now.

Triage Assistant

Do you have any other symptoms? For example, back pain, diarrhea, fever, urination pain, or vomiting?

Dispositions

  • 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.

  • Some assessment questions asked.