A 7-year-old child is seen in the pediatric clinic 3 times in the last 2 months for complaints of abdominal pain. On each occasion, the physical examination and all ordered laboratory work have been normal. Which is the priority nursing assessment at this time?
1. The child's normal eating habits
2. Recent viral illnesses or other infectious symptoms
3. Review of the child's immunization history
4. Changes in school or home life
4
Explanation:
1. Because of the abdominal complaints, the child's eating habits would have already been discussed.
2. With normal blood work and tests, the chance of any illness over the last few months is unlikely.
3. The immunization history would have been reviewed on the previous visits.
4. With a normal examination and laboratory 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. Asking about changes in home or school life is most likely to get to information about recent stresses in the child's life.
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