A 7-year-old child has been seen in the pediatric clinic three times in the last two months for complaints of abdominal pain. Physical exam and all ordered lab work have been normal

Question

The statement by the nurse working with this child that would be most likely to help determine the etiology of this child's abdominal pain is: 1. "Have there been any changes in your child's school or home life recently?"
2. "Tell me what your child usually eats on a normal day."
3. "Are your child's immunizations up to date?"
4. "Has your child had any fevers or viral illnesses in the last three months?"

Answer 1

1
Rationale:
1. With a normal exam and lab work, there is a high probability that this child's abdominal pain is stress-related, and it is most important to identify the possible stressors in this child's life to aid in diagnosis and treatment. This question is most likely to get to information about recent stresses in the child's life.
2. This question is appropriate but will not necessarily obtain information about recent stresses on the child's life.
3. This question is important related to the overall health status of the child, but does not have anything to do specifically with abdominal pain.
4. With normal blood work and tests, the chances of any illness over the last few months is unlikely. ?"