Abdominal Pain without Shock

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Bedside Tests

Abdominal Pain without Shock Surgical Management of Abdominal Pain Bedside Tests

Investigations

Investigations in the ED should include the following simple tests:

  • Urinalysis this should be performed in patients where urinary tract infection is suspected, although be aware that sensitivity and specificity is not perfect, especially in the elderly.
  • Urinary hCG this must be performed in all females of childbearing age to rule out ectopic pregnancy.
  • BM stix do not forget this, as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) can present with abdominal pain.
  • ECG perform an ECG in patients with upper abdominal pain where inferior MI is a differential diagnosis.
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