Definition
Abdominal pain is discomfort or pain located anywhere between the chest and pelvic regions. It may arise from gastrointestinal, urinary, reproductive, vascular, or musculoskeletal causes.
SOCRATES Assessment
- S – Site: Where exactly is the pain located?
- O – Onset: When did it start? Sudden or gradual?
- C – Character: Sharp, dull, cramping, burning?
- R – Radiation: Does it move to the back, shoulder, groin?
- A – Associated symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, fever, urinary symptoms?
- T – Timing: Constant or intermittent? Meals related?
- E – Exacerbating/Relieving: Better/worse with food, movement, medications?
- S – Severity: Pain scale (0–10)?
Past Medical History
Drug History & Allergies
Family History
Social History
- Diet habits?
- Alcohol consumption?
- Smoking?
- Recent travel?
- Exposure to contaminated food/water?