Question

A 29-year-old man presents with an acute onset of severe pain to the left upper quadrant of his abdomen. He is conscious and alert and states that he is very thirsty. The EMT should:

A) keep him sitting up and give him small sips of water to drink.
B) begin the assessment by palpating the left upper quadrant.
C) assess his vital signs and prepare for immediate transport.
D) position him supine and encourage him to straighten his legs.

Answer 1

The EMT should assess the man's vital signs, prepare for immediate transport, and position him comfortably, avoiding any ingestion of liquids due to the risk of dehydration or shock and the potential need for surgical intervention.

Step-by-step explanation:

Initial Management of Acute Abdominal Pain in an Emergency

A 29-year-old man presents with an acute onset of severe pain to the left upper quadrant of his abdomen. In such a scenario, the EMT should not give him water or begin by palpating the affected area. Instead, the EMT should:

1. Assess his vital signs including heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation.
2. Prepare for immediate transport to a medical facility, as severe pain may indicate a critical condition requiring prompt evaluation and treatment.
3. Position the patient in a manner that offers the most comfort, which usually is in a position of self-protection, like semi-fowler's or left lateral decubitus, not necessarily supine with legs straightened.

Given that the patient is thirsty, this may suggest dehydration or systemic shock. It is critical to avoid giving the patient anything by mouth, as this may worsen their condition or complicate any potential surgical procedure that might be needed. Ensuring a patent airway, providing oxygen if necessary, and supportive care during transport is crucial until more definitive care can be provided in the emergency department.