title: Abdominal Assessment.
abstract: Abdominal pain is one of the most common complaints by patients, and assessment of abdominal pain and associated symptoms can be challenging for home healthcare providers. Reasons for abdominal pain are related to inflammation, organ distention, and ischemia. The history and physical examination are important to narrow the source of acute or chronic problems, identify immediate interventions, and when necessary, facilitate emergency department care.
authors.affiliation: Deborah Fritz, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, is a Family Nurse Practitioner, St. Louis Veterans Administration Medical Center, St. Louis, Missouri. Pamela Becker Weilitz, DNP, APRN, ANP-BC, is a Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care, St. Louis Veterans Administration Medical Center, St. Louis, Missouri.
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fritz
authors.forename: Pamela Becker
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Weilitz
mesh_terms: D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000175:diagnosis*; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001314:Auscultation / Q000451:nursing; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005260:Female; D064650:Home Health Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009733:Nursing Diagnosis / Q000379:methods; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000451:nursing; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014481:United States