Abdominal Pain: Assessment of the Acute and Chronic Abdomen

Course overview

Abdominal pain is a common physical complaint that patients report to medical clinicians, and it has a wide array of causes, ranging from very simple to complex. Although many cases of abdominal pain turn out to be minor constipation or gastroenteritis, there are more serious causes that need to be ruled out. An accurate patient medical history, family medical history, and medical testing are important to make an accurate diagnosis. Initial assessment and diagnostic testing will help to provide an early indication of the cause of abdominal pain and the possible treatment options.