Question

First Priority of Provider in abdominal pain patient

A) Prescribe pain medication
B) Order a complete blood count (CBC)
C) Rule out acute (surgical) abdomen
D) Perform a diagnostic imaging scan

Answer 1

The first priority for a provider in a patient with abdominal pain is to rule out acute (surgical) abdomen, which involves evaluating the symptoms and conducting diagnostic tests.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first priority for a provider in a patient with abdominal pain is to rule out acute (surgical) abdomen. This involves evaluating the patient's symptoms, conducting a physical examination, and obtaining diagnostic tests such as a complete blood count (CBC) and imaging scans. Prescribing pain medication may be done after ruling out a surgical abdomen and identifying the cause of the pain.