Assessment of a 21-year-old woman reveals that she has severe abdominal pain localized to her right ...

Assessment of a 21-year-old woman reveals that she has severe abdominal pain localized to her right upper quadrant. She is alert and oriented and has stable vital signs. After placing her supine on a stretcher, she quickly assumes a lateral recumbent position with her knees drawn up to her chest. Which of the following responses from you would be appropriate?
 
  a. It would be best if you stay on your back. Staying there will help decrease the pain.
  b. You can stay on your side, but I need to you to keep your legs straight to help decrease the pain.
  c. I need you to stay on your back and with your head up. That way, if you vomit you won't aspirate it.
  d. Are you more comfortable in that position? If you are, then you should stay on your side.

Question 2

You suspect that a man experiencing right lower quadrant pain has appendicitis. He states that he has no health insurance and wants to refuse care. He asks you what can happen if he has appendicitis but does not go to the hospital. Which of the following statements would you make in reply?
 
  a. Your appendix could rupture, causing a major infection, shock, and possible death.
  b. The inflammation of the appendix will gradually subside, but in the meantime the pain can be terrible.
  c. If you do not get care, blood may clot in your intestine and cause an obstruction.
  d. Take an antacid, and if the pain does not subside in an hour or two, then you should go to the hospital.

Question 3

Which of the following assessment findings would increase your suspicion of gastrointestinal bleeding?
 
  a. Sudden onset of constipation
  b. Watery and foul-smelling diarrhea
  c. Tarry, black stool
  d. Sharp pain in the left lower quadrant

Question 4

While providing an in-service on abdominal pain, your medical director states that there are several different categories of pain and asks if anyone can identify and describe visceral pain. Which of the following responses is correct?
 
  a. Visceral pain is typically described as sharp' and occurs when a hollow organ has become infected.
  b. A patient can easily locate the exact site of visceral pain, which is typically associated with nausea and vomiting.
  c. Visceral pain occurs when an infection of the peritoneum lining the abdomen causes a rapid increase in body temperature.
  d. A patient with visceral pain typically describes the pain as aching' and has a difficult time identifying its exact location.